Cristiano Ronaldo And Pele Have Heart-Warming Exchange After Manchester United Striker Wins Special FIFA Award
Posted Wednesday, January 19, 2022 by sportbible.com
Cristiano Ronaldo is accustomed winning individual awards on a regular basis and the Manchester United forward added two more to his collection at The FIFA Best ceremony on Monday.
Ronaldo was named in the FIFPRO Men's World11 for 2021 and was also handed a special FIFA award for breaking the all-time goal scoring record in men's international football.
Portugal captain Ronaldo broke the record in September after scoring two goals against the Republic of Ireland, which saw him surpass former Iran international Ali Daei's tally of 109 goals.
Ronaldo has now racked up 115 goals in 184 appearances for his country and upon accepting the award, the 36-year-old said: "First of all I have to say thank you to my teammates, especially the national team during the last 2020 years.
"I never thought [I would beat] the record, to score 115 - the record was 109, right? So, six goals ahead. I'm so proud for this special award from FIFA, an organisation I respect a lot.
"Of course, I have to say thank you to my family, my wife, my kids - and soon I will be a father again, so really proud. It's a great achievement."
Brazilian great Pele, who scored 77 goals in 92 games for his nation, took to Instagram to congratulate Ronaldo on his achievement.
He wrote: "@cristiano, congratulations on the special tribute from FIFA. I'm looking forward to meeting you in person to give you my hug.
"I recorded this message with great care. See you soon! #TheBest"
Ronaldo was quick to respond to the legendary Brazilian, replying: "When Pele talks, the world listens.
"It’s impossible not to get emotional when such an amazing person shows all his respect and admiration towards me.
"An eternal hero, a myth for all generations and a true legend of sports. As he wisely said, we are all in the same team: the team of football!
"Thank you, Pele! I hope I get to see you very soon, so that we can smile together and talk about this game that we love."
Ronaldo will be hoping to add to his international goals tally when Portugal face Turkey in a World Cup play-off semi-final in March.
Should they beat Turkey, Portugal will progress to face either Italy or North Macedonia in a winner-takes-all clash for a place in Qatar.
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