"Exactly what makes them and what keeps them alive" - Pundit on Cristiano Ronaldo's 1000 goal challenge set for himself

Former Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz has shared his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo setting a staggering target of 1000 career goals for himself. The 39-year-old recently became the sole member of the 900-goal club.

Widely regarded as one of the best to grace the beautiful game, Ronaldo is still going strong despite debuting more than two decades ago. The most prolific scorer in the sport's history recently said on his YouTube channel that he wants to score 1,000 goals.

Offering his thoughts on the same, Queiroz told Spanish newspaper AS (via Ojogo.pt), as translated from Portuguese:

“It’s typical of a good player. These types of players, in all areas of the game, even in different sports, have huge challenges. This is exactly what makes them and what keeps them alive.

"It’s not about money. It’s not about trophies. It’s about themselves. It’s a competition against themselves. For him, scoring a goal is absolutely normal. They are big stars, and they make everything seem normal when it’s not."

Ronaldo scored his landmark 900th goal in a 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Croatia in Lisbon last month. He has since scored four more times for club and country as he looks to create more history.

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How has Cristiano Ronaldo fared this season?

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has had a fine start to the ongoing season - his second full campaign with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr - having arrived on a free transfer in December 2022.

The 39-year-old has scored in all but one of nine outings across competitions, registering eight goals and three assists, including five goals and two assists in six games in the league, where Stefano Pioli's side are third, four points adrift of leaders Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo's two other goals this campaign have come in the AFC Champions League Elite and the Saudi Super Cup, where he has also bagged an assist.

It's pertinent to note that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's search for a first competitive title with Al-Nassr continues after the Knights of Najd lost to holders Al-Hilal in the Super Cup final earlier this season.

Meanwhile, in international football, after drawing a blank in five games at Euro 2024 - where Portugal lost to France in the quarter-finals on penalties - Ronaldo returned to scoring ways in the aforementioned Croatia game.

He's next set to feature against Poland (October 12) and Scotland three days later in the Nations League, where Portugal have won both their games.