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Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo showed his appreciation for the thousands of Iceland fans in attendance on Tuesday after they "had a party" to celebrate his Guinness World Record achievement.
The 38-year-old forward scored a last-minute winner for Portugal in their European Championship qualifier against Iceland – a close range effort that increased his international goal tally to 123.
Roberto Martinez's side maintained their perfect record in Group J with a narrow 1-0 win, but the headlines belonged to Ronaldo, who became the first male player in history to make 200 international appearances.
To mark his remarkable achievement, Portugal's all-time top goalscorer was presented with a Guinness World Record plaque before kick-off at the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium.
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"Two hundred games played proves the love I have for my country. For me, it is an extremely important milestone. It means a lot," he said.
"I'm very proud because this is something I never thought I could reach. And I'm continuing to set records."
After the full-time whistle, he spoke about the record-breaking feat during a brilliant interview with Optus Sport.
But before doing so, the Al Nassr forward made a comment about his wrinkles after the camera zoomed into his face. “Not too close, eh!" he laughed. "Too many wrinkles...”
Moments later and Ronaldo was asked how he felt after scoring the 89th minute winner. “So happy," he said. "It’s the kind of moment that you never expect, to reach 200 caps. For me it’s an unbelievable achievement.”
He added: “To be in the Gunners World Records is amazing. Of course, scoring the winning goal makes it even more special, so I have to say thank you to the stadium, to Iceland, the people, the fans, the stadium for having this kind of party for me.
“Also to the Portugal national team, the federation. I’m so happy. It’s a special day. I have to say thank you to all of them. They made my day. They made my night, let’s say it that way... it’s not night, they made my day, let’s say it that way!”
You can watch the interview in full below.
Thoughts on the interview? Let us know in the comments.