It was heartening to see Cristiano Ronaldo win the FIFA The Best Special award in Zurich, Switzerland. The Manchester United forward won the award for being the highest scoring men’s player last year. The Portuguese icon surpassed former Bayern striker Ali Daei’s tally of 109 goals. The 36-year-old has already scored 115 goals to his name and by the way, he is scoring he adds a lot more to his name.
After receiving the award from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Ronaldo cleared the air by saying he is not looking to retire from the game anytime soon.
“It’s a dream. First of all, I want to say thanks to my teammates, especially the ones I played with for the national team during the last 20 years or so. The record [for most goals scored in international football] was 109, so I’m six ahead at the moment. This is a special award from FIFA, an organization I respect a lot. I’m really proud of this great achievement. It’s great to be the highest goalscorer of all time.”
Cristiano spoke practically about how he fell in love with the game and how playing the game gives him immense joy as a player. He also highlighted how he is looking to continue for four or five more years and feels that it will be possible for him to continue if he takes good care physically.
“I still have a passion for the game. It’s to entertain myself and I’ve played football since I was five or six years old. I feel joy when I train and my motivation is still there. I’m going to be 37 soon but I feel motivated. People ask me how many years I’m going to continue playing – I hope to play for four or five more years. Physically if you treat your body well, it will give you something back. I love the game and I want to continue.”
Despite his age, he has had a massive impact on the gameplay of both his club and country. In the 2022 World Cup qualifiers Portugal will once again look towards their talisman to do his magic. Similarly for Manchester United, they will look up to Ronaldo to finish strongly this season in the Premier League and also in the Champions League. Overall it will be a tough task for Ronaldo but knowing him, he will never back down.
