Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his illustrious career on Tuesday after he became the first European player to reach 100 international goals as Portugal strolled to a 2-0 victory over 10-man Sweden.
Ronaldo scored in both halves of Portugal’s win to extend his tally on the international stage up to 101.
Ronaldo’s first goal was worthy of being his 100th international goal. The 36-year-old took a free-kick when Sweden midfielder Gustav Svensson saw red just before half-time after collecting a second yellow card and he fired the free-kick into the top bins with great aplomb.
Ronaldo extended the Portugal lead and his international tally in the 72nd-minute, as he curled a well-struck effort on goal into the corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area.
Ronaldo had earlier missed Portugal’s Nations League opener against Croatia on Saturday with a toe injury.
“When I had this problem in my toe I always knew that I could recover for this second game.”
When quizzed about his future, Ronaldo said: “The future, only God knows. I am happy to play with these young players and I am enjoying a lot this moment both individually and collectively.
Brazil legend Pele has congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo after he added the extraordinary achievement on Tuesday night.
In a Tweeter post, Pele wrote: “I thought we were going to celebrate 100 goals today. But it was actually 101! Congratulations @Cristiano, as you reach new heights in your journey
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner now just eight goals away from equaling Iranian legend Ali Daei’s record for most international goals.
After the game, Ronaldo revealed he has his sights on breaking the record which stands at 109 goals.
“I managed to beat this milestone of 100 goals and now (I’ll go) for the record. It’s step-by-step. I am not obsessed because I believe the records come in a natural way,” Ronaldo said.
Portugal now tops the table ahead of France after winning two from their two opening Nations League fixtures.
