Cristiano Ronaldo has set another record after he became the first-ever player in men’s senior football history to make 200 appearances for his country.
Since he made his debut for the national team two decades ago, the former Real Madrid player has scored more frequently than ever, surpassing Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006, with 122 goals in 199 appearances to become the all-time leading scorer in men’s international competition.
Meanwhile, the mercurial player has insisted he is not hanging his boots anytime soon.
Ronaldo has said: “I’ll stay here until I, the [football federation] president, and the coach believe I can. I’ll never give up coming here, because it’s always a dream. Representing the national team is the height of the career. I want to keep playing and make my family, friends, and Portuguese happy.
“Do I hope to do more? Obviously, that’s why I’m here. That’s why I keep on walking. Living the moment, day by day, seeing my form. I think I’m still doing well, helping, scoring goals, and giving good performances. As long as I’m motivated and those around me like my presence and leadership, I will not give up the national team in any way. As [former Portuguese defender] Bruno Alves said, ‘I will not give away my place for free.’ It’s been a long journey, but it won’t end soon, I hope.”
Although Ronaldo has become accustomed to making history throughout his incredible career, there are still goals for him to pursue, and he is justifiably thrilled to have helped Portugal reach yet another significant milestone.
He added: “For me it is an extremely important milestone. It means a lot. Being the 200th game, I will be the first in history to do so, I’m very proud for this is something I never thought I could reach, but I have to keep going. I have much more to do. It is a round, beautiful number that nobody has. I say it sincerely, I don’t follow the records, they follow me. I’m happy, it’s also my motivation to continue playing at the highest level in the national team. It was something I never thought I would achieve. And I’m continuing to set records.
“What’s there left to beat? I have no idea. I know that there are records that I hold. What I want most is to win and follow the path towards the European Championship.”
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