Ali Daei Says He Wouldn't Be Upset If Cristiano Ronaldo Broke His Record

Cristiano Ronaldo's four goals against Lithuania on Tuesday put the Juventus forward just 16 goals short of being the top international scorer of all time, a record the current holder is happy for Ronaldo to break.

On Tuesday Ronaldo knocked four past Lithuania, as Portugal won 5-1 in the Euro 2020 qualifier, although one of the goals maybe should have gone down as an own goal.

The haul took the Juve striker to 93 goals for his country, leaving him very close to former Iran striker Ali Daei's 109 goals. Speaking to IRNA News, via Persia Digest, the record holder said, "Records are for breaking; I did it when it was my turn, and it will be someone else's turn to beat my record next. It's not a big issue."

Asked if he would be upset to lose the record Daei added, "No, why should I be upset. Ronaldo is a great player with many honors in the world of football. He is on top form right now."

Daei, whose last performance for the national team came in 2006, can live with the knowledge that it will take Ronaldo more games to score the same amount of goals, or break the record, as him.

The five time Ballon d'Or winner has played 160 times for his 93 goals whilst the Iranian played just 149 times for his 109 goals.

It certainly feels like a case of when and not if Ronaldo manages to break the record, despite the fact he took a break from national duty for much of last season.

Daei playing for Iran in 2000. Image: PA Images

Portugal still have to play Luxembourg twice in their bid to qualify for 2020 as well as Ukraine and the return fixture at home against Lithuania.

The 34-year-old has said that his retirement 'could be next year' or he might 'play to 40 or 41' and that would give him plenty of time to smash the record and put it far from distance of anyone beating it.

India striker Sunil Chhetri is the closest active player to the former Manchester United winger when it comes to international goal, with the 35-year-old on 72.

Ronaldo also scored against Serbia last week. Image: PA Images

Ronaldo's rival Lionel Messi is next with 68 for Argentina and Neymar's 61 from 99 games puts him next on the list of active players.

How many international goals will Ronaldo end up with?

Topics: Football News, World Football, Euro 2020, Serie A, International Football, Portugal, Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo

Ryan Sidle

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