Cristiano Ronaldo has posted an emotional message to Pele after overtaking him in the all-time top goalscorer charts.
The Juventus superstar netted a perfect hat-trick against Cagliari on Sunday in a 3-1 win to take his career tally to 770 goals.
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Brazilian legend Pele is officially listed as having scored 757 goals in his career, but his disputed record stands at 767.
Ronaldo has now overtaken that tally and took to social media to post a message.
He explained on Instagram: "The last few weeks were filled with news and stats considering me the world's top scorer in football history, overcoming Pele's 757 official goals.
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"Although I'm thankful for that recognition, now it's time for me to explain why I didn't acknowledge that record until this moment.
"My everlasting and unconditional admiration [for Pele] led me to take into account his 767 score, assuming his nine goals for Sao Paulo State Team, as well as his single goal for the Brazilian Military Team, as official goals.
"The world has changed since then and football as changed as well, but this doesn't mean that we can just erase history.
"Now I can't wait for the next games and challenges! The next records and trophies! Believe me, this story is still far from being over. The future is tomorrow and there's still a lot to win for Juventus and Portugal!"
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Pele had already taken to Twitter with a message for 'CR7', along with an image of the pair exchanging words.
The 80-year-old said: "Cristiano, what a beautiful journey you are having! I admire you a lot and this is no secret to anyone.
"Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches. I leave this photo in your honor, with great affection, as a symbol of a friendship that has existed for many years."
Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo said Ronaldo responded 'like a champion' following Tuesday's shock Champions League elimination at the hands of Porto
The Italian giants went out 4-4 on away goals and many believe Ronaldo was at fault for Sergio Oliveira's free-kick.
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Pirlo told Juventus' official website: "Our approach was spot on and it was important to get off on the right foot after being knocked out the other night. When we were 3-0 up, we lacked a bit of energy, from both a physical and mental standpoint, but the game was safe.
"We now need to set about our task, thinking only about ourselves and trying to win every game.
"Ronaldo was angry like the rest of the team, because our elimination brought sadness to the whole group. He reacted like a true champion with a hat-trick."
Topics: Football, Juventus, Pele, Cristiano Ronaldo
