Portugal star Ruben Neves offers opinion on whether Cristiano Ronaldo can reach 1,000 goals
Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves doesn't rule out his captain Cristiano Ronaldo reaching 1000 career goals. Last week, the 39-year-old became the first player ever to climb Mount 900.
Ronaldo achieved the landmark by scoring in the 34th minute of his team's 2-1 UEFA Nations League opening win against Croatia in Lisbon. On Sunday, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was once again on the scoresheet.
Coming off the bench against Scotland in Lisbon, Ronaldo hit the woodwork twice before bagging A Selecao's winner two minutes from time. Earlier, Scott McTominay's seventh-minute opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Bruno Fernandes in the 54th minute.
Following their second straight win in the UEFA Nations League - with Ronaldo scoring in as many games to move to 901 career goals - Neves said that 1000 career goals is within the Portugal captain's reach. He said (as per O Jogo):
"Anything is possible with Cristiano and I believe he can do it."
About the game itself, he added:
“It was a good game and I think we controlled it. We knew that Scotland are very strong in some details of the game, like the goal, from a set-piece. We were prepared for that, but even so, they managed to take the lead.
"We knew that after that it would be very difficult, as they are a typically British team, very difficult to break down, but I think we created enough chances to win the game. Fortunately, we got the three points, which was the most important thing."
It's pertinent to note that Ronaldo had drawn blanks in five games at Euro 2024, where Roberto Martinez's side lost to France on penalties in the quarter-final.
What else Ruben Neves said after Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. beat Scotland?
Following the win over Scotland, Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves hailed the unity of the side led by Cristiano Ronaldo. Martinez made a few changes, like Ronaldo dropping to the bench, but the team won again.
Highlighting the high level of preparedness in the group, Neves said in the aforementioned Ojogo interview that all players in the squad are good enough to start:
"Today, the unity of the group we have was very noticeable. The manager made some changes to the starting eleven and that means that everyone is well prepared."
Ronaldo and Neves will now return to Saudi Arabia as their respective clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal have Saudi Pro League engagements this weekend.