“Records are following him” - Al-Nassr pay tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal captain becomes the most capped player in international football
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the most capped player in the history of international football with 198 appearances for Portugal.
Al-Nassr sent a heartfelt tribute to Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo as the 38-year-old shone in the 6-0 thumping of Luxembourg. Ronaldo scored a brace before being taken off for Goncalo Ramos in the second half.
On a rainy night in Luxembourg, Ronaldo opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a left-footed finish from close range. Nuno Mendes set him up with a headed lay-off from a Bruno Fernandes pass.
The second goal of the game came from Joao Felix six minutes later. The Chelsea star scored with a header before Bernardo Silva scored an identical goal in the 18th minute.
Ronaldo's former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes found the no. 7 in style in the 31st minute. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored with a masterfully taken left-footed finish.
The 38-year-old has now scored 122 international goals in 198 appearances for Portugal. Al-Nassr sent a stunning message to the attacker, writing on social media:
"Most capped player in international football - 198 games. Player with most goals in football history - 832 goals. He's not following Records. Records are following him."
• Most capped player in international football - 198 games 🔝
• Player with most goals in football history - 832 goals 🤩
He's not following Records
Records are following him 🐐💛 https://t.co/SwDknhYBwZ
Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Saudi Arabian club as a free agent after his Manchester United exit. He has scored nine goals and has provided two assists in 10 games for the Riyadh-based side.
Former Al-Nassr player Bader Al-Mutawa recently shared a message with Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo broke Bader Al-Mutawa's record when he made his 197th international appearance against Liechtenstein.
Al-Mutawa, who used to play for Al-Nassr at one point in time, has made 196 appearances for Kuwait. Al-Mutawa played as a centre-forward and scored 56 goals for Kuwait.
He shared a message with Ronaldo after the Portuguese broke his record, writing (via Twitter):
"I'm very honored to have represented my country in 196 international matches and I am grateful for the privilege of becoming the most-capped men's player. I am glad that the record will now be passed onto Cristiano Ronaldo."
He further added:
"You are truly a legend and an idol to every football player. I wish you best of luck and many more amazing achievements."
Ronaldo responded to the message, writing on Twitter:
"Thank you for your kind words @bader_almotawaa! It’s an honor to become the most capped mens player. All the best for you too."
🏽@bader_almotawaa Thank you for your kind words @bader_almotawaa! It’s an honor to become the most capped mens player.🇵🇹🙌🏽
All the best for you too
Ronaldo will return to action on April 4 when Al-Nassr take on Al-Adalah in a Saudi Pro League (SPL) away clash.