"He raises the name of our nation to the highest level" - Portugal star hails Cristiano Ronaldo as he scores 900th career goal
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes lavished praise on Cristiano Ronaldo after the latter became the first player in the game's history to score 900 goals in top-tier football. Ronaldo's strike helped Portugal win their Nations League opener against Croatia 2-1 in Lisbon on Thursday (September 5).
A Selecao started on a high as Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Cristiano Ronaldo received a looping ball into the penalty area from Nuno Mendes in the 34th minute. The Al-Nassr striker deposited the ball into the net, securing the elusive landmark.
Bruno Fernandes praised his captain after the game, calling it "another normality" in the life of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. He said (shared by @TimelineCR7 on X):
"I thought we had stopped counting them. We have, but he likes to count them [laughs]. It's a very special number and we're very happy for him. In addition to being Cristiano, he raises the name of our nation to the highest level, as he has done over the years. It's just another normality in his life."
The Manchester United ace was also asked about Cristiano Ronaldo potentially spearheading Portugal at FIFA World Cup 2026.
"He has to feel good. It depends on him. I know he will make decisions that are in his best interest and for the good of the team," said Bruno Fernandes.
Cristiano Ronaldo's exceptional goal tally for club and country includes a record-breaking 131 goals for Portugal, 450 strikes for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 101 for Juventus, 68 for Al-Nassr, and five for Sporting CP.
"I want to reach 1,000 goals," - Cristiano Ronaldo reveals his ambition to Rio Ferdinand in YouTube video
Cristiano Ronaldo has no intention of cutting himself some slack after reaching the elusive 900 mark. In a YouTube video on his channel, UR. Cristiano, the Portuguese talisman revealed that he wants to reach 1000 career goals.
Speaking to his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo said:
"I want to reach 1,000 goals. If I don't have any injuries, this for me is the most important [thing], I want that. For me, the best mark that I can have in football is to reach, first, 900 goals. After, my challenge is to be at 1,000 goals."
Ever competitive, Ronaldo seemingly took a dig at Pele, commenting that all his goals have videos, unlike the Brazilian legend.
"All the goals I have scored, they have video. They all have video. Listen, I respect all of them. And if you want more goals, I can bring them from training, too. And I will prove to the people after. They prefer this player, or this is the best one. I don't care about that."
The Portuguese no. 7 has been exceptional for club and country this season, scoring five goals in as many games. Portugal will face Scotland in their second Nations League tie on September 8 at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.