Cristiano Ronaldo: I want to score 1,000 goals, all ‘on video’

Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer, needed just one goal to reach 900 in his career for club and country, and said he is aiming for 1,000 to undoubtedly make his mark on the sport.

In an interview with former England international Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel, the 39-year-old Ronaldo spoke about maintaining his level of play as he continues to extend his scoring record.

“I want to reach 1,000 goals,” said the Al Nassr and Portugal star, who estimates the historic milestone could be reached around the age of 41. “If I don’t have injuries, for me this is the most important (thing), that’s what I want. For me, the best I can achieve in football is to reach 900 goals first. Then my challenge is to reach 1,000 goals.”

Ronaldo spoke candidly with Ferdinand, his former Manchester United teammate, on topics ranging from the quality of play in the Saudi Pro League to the passion he has maintained and the criticism that has resulted.

The ever-competitive Ronaldo was quick to point out how his goals stood out from those of other all-time top scorers, including legends like Pele and Alfredo Di Stefano, who played in an era before so many cameras.

“All the goals I’ve scored have video,” he said. “They all have video. Listen, I respect all of them (Pele and Di Stefano). And if you want more goals, I can take them from training too. And I’ll prove it to people afterwards. They prefer this player, or this is the best. I don’t care.”

When asked how Ronaldo has adapted to playing in Saudi Arabia, he replied that it has been relatively easy considering the challenges he has had to endure since stepping into the spotlight at a young age.

“No country is perfect, so for me the adjustment was easy and I really enjoy being there,” he said. “In my opinion the competition is very, very good.”

As for the criticism he received for crying after missing a crucial penalty for Portugal against Slovenia, with a trip to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at stake, Ronaldo said it was all part of the criticism that comes with being “the most followed man in the world”. Portugal went on to win the match 3-0 on penalties.

The tears, he said, were the result of the pressure he put on himself since he was 11 years old.

“When you have passion for what you do, you can’t worry about how you feel,” he said. “I failed because I put pressure on myself since I was 11 years old. ‘Cristiano, you are the best player in the world,’ I always think that way.

“But when I missed the penalty I felt bad for myself, the fans and my family; not because of other things people say.”

Although he realises his career is almost over, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could not predict when he would finally retire.

“I don’t know when I’ll be done,” he said. “Because you play more, you learn a lot of things. One thing I’ve learned is enjoy the moment. Because you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. I know I still look good. The day I start to feel like I’m not producing anything, listen, I’ll pack my bags and leave. But it’s far from that.”