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Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded The Best – FIFA Special Prize
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He is the most prolific player in the history of international football
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The Portuguese expresses his joy and gratitude
“It’s much more difficult to score goals at international level today,” Ronaldo said in 1997. “You can’t count on scoring against Saudi Arabia, Australia or any other national team these days. I don’t think not at this record.” O Fenomeno was then 21 years old. An outstanding striker with 20 goals in 30 appearances to his name, he was trying to put an end to the debate on his ability to beat Pelé’s record of 77 goals with Brazil. Considered one of the best scorers in history, he retired with 62 international goals. Another Ronaldo didn’t give rise to the same speculation when he was 21. At the time, he was a winger, and scored 12 goals in 40 appearances for Portugal. But Cristiano Ronaldo was also a phenomenon. 49 goals in his last 47 international meetings allowed him to overtake Ali Daei and reach a total of 110 units which make him the most prolific player in history.
“A very special award for a unique player,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he presented Ronaldo with The Best – Special FIFA Award at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ ceremony in Zurich tonight. “He is magnificent, commented Ronaldo contemplating his trophy. It was a dream. I never imagined breaking this record, scoring 115 goals. The record was 109, so I have six ahead. I am very proud to receive this award from FIFA, an organization for which I have great respect.” Shortly after leaving the stage, Ronaldo savored his happiness. “I’m very happy to receive this special award, he commented. It’s a huge accomplishment. I’m extremely proud. I never thought I would one day become number one. It’s a great honor. It’s extraordinary to be the top scorer in history. I have to thank my teammates from 2004, when I started my career in the national team, until today. And I also thank my family, my wife and my children.”
What does Ronaldo credit his ability to collect records and trophies to? “Sacrifice, he replies. You get nothing without sacrifice. I started playing at the top level at 18 and I stayed there for 15 to 16 years through effort, passion, ambition and work. That’s how I kept myself at the top in terms of performances, trophies, goals and records. I’m still passionate about football. It’s not just to score goals, but to have fun. I’ve been playing since I was 5 or 6 years old. I always have so much fun when I step onto the pitch, even if it’s only to practice. My motivation is still there. Even though I’ll soon have 37 years old, I feel good, I feel motivated. I am still working hard, as I have done since I was 18. I love this game, I still have this passion. I hope to stay on the pitch for another four or five years. It’s a question of the mind, because physically, if you treat your body well, it responds when you need it.”
He dedicated his award to his country. “I know that I honor the Portuguese, continued the Manchester United striker. This award is for them and for my country. I appreciate the motivation they have given me since my debut in the national team. It is always a pleasure to play for his country, for his flag, for his family. It’s incredible. Every time I put on the Portugal jersey, I feel a lot of emotion and happiness. It’s an extraordinary feeling.” After helping Portugal win UEFA EURO in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League three years later, Ronaldo now wants to lead the Selecção das Quinas to the FIFA World Cup™, one of the rare trophies missing from his prize list. But Portugal will first have to overcome the European play-offs, which will pit it against tough opponents, including Italy, European champions. “We will face two complicated matches. It will be tough. Anything is possible. The draw did not spoil us, but that is part of football. Football is a challenge. I hope we will be ready to fight .”
Tonight Ronaldo was also voted into the FIFA FIFPro World11 for the 17th consecutive year. To what does he owe so much esteem on the part of professionals? “They know, explains the native of Funchal. They also play football, so they know the effort required to stay at the top level. having voted for me. It motivates me to continue and make people happy, especially the fans around the world and my family. And I will continue because I am still capable of it and it is a pleasure to give happiness. “
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