"If it happens, perfect" - Cristiano Ronaldo makes honest admission on 1000-goal record pursuit

Modified Apr 05, 2025 09:11 GMT

Al Hilal v Al Nassr - Saudi Pro League - Source: Getty

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed he's not chasing the 1000-goal mark. Instead, he believes in focusing on the upcoming matches and living in the moment.

Ronaldo guided Al-Nassr to a 3-1 victory over Al-Hilal in the Riyadh derby on Friday, April 4. The former Real Madrid attacker scored twice in the second half (47', 88') to help his side secure a comfortable win at the Kingdom Arena.

After the match, the Portuguese attacker reflected on his opinion of reaching the 1000-goal mark. He told SPL (via the GOAL):

"Guys, let's enjoy the moment. I'm not chasing 1000. If it happens, perfect. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. The moment is the most special thing not what is going to come you know. Enjoy the moment and it was a great win not because I scored of course. I'm happy to score two goals against Al-Hilal but the most important thing is to win the derby."

He added:

"We play against a fantastic team away. It's always difficult, we have to appreciate and we have to continue because nine games left with one more in the Champions League. Everything is possible, we have to continue and believe."

Cristiano Ronaldo only requires 69 more goals to reach the 1000-goal landmark. However, he's focused on steering Al-Nassr to silverware. The Knights of Najd are third in the Saudi Pro League table with 54 points after 26 games.

When Virgil van Dijk was asked to choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Liverpool FC v Fulham FC - Premier League - Source: Getty

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was asked to pick between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021. Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the sport for almost two decades, and it's always tough to choose a favorite.

However, the Dutch midfielder backed Lionel Messi over the Portuguese attacker. He said (via The Mirror):

"I would say Lionel Messi, he's still the best football player in the world. Him and Cristiano Ronaldo have been doing unreal numbers in the last decades, and it's incredible what they have achieved. But in this case, I will choose Messi, we had a tough night at Barcelona (in 2019)."

Virgil van Dijk also addressed the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League semi-final clash between Liverpool and Barcelona. Lionel Messi scored twice in the first leg at Camp Nou. However, Liverpool made a historic 4-0 comeback in the second leg to secure a place in the final.

About the author

Shashank is a journalist at Sportskeeda covering European football since the past 2 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and has also played the sport as a box-to-box midfielder and a full-back at national level, along with Tennis, Taekwondo and Boxing.

Shashank has been a Liverpool supporter since 2014 and had first stumbled upon the club after receiving a gift which had the words 'Liverpool FC' written on it. He has idolised Steven Gerrard over the years but his favorite football memory is the Reds' incredible comeback 4-0 win over Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semis. He, unsurprisingly, also loves Jurgen Klopp's managerial style.

He strives to report 100% accurate content by going through several social media platforms, and prides himself on his above-average vocabulary and researching skills. In his career so far, Shashank has had the privilege of interviewing Indian national football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Shashank also follows the Indian Super League and the Eredivisie along with European Football. In his off time, he likes to do theatre, watch Tennis, and travel.

Know More

Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee