Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo sent a message to his detractors after scoring his 54th and final goal of 2023 against Al-Taawon on Saturday.
At nearly 39, CR7 continues to achieve the unthinkable. After several big seasons with Real Madrid and Juventus, the Portuguese striker was set to join or return to Manchester United in 2021. Despite his desire to shine with the Manchester side, things did not go so well, especially with the arrival of Dutch coach Erik Ten Hag. Seeing his team’s difficulties, the coach decided to part company with a number of players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who was put to the test by being “humiliated”. In the end, the football star packed his bags and signed for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia on 30 December 2022.
Cristiano’s stratospheric season
While it was predicted that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s career would come to an end when he joined a league that some would call second-rate, the predictions have been foiled. A true football fan, CR7 once again proved his determination to leave an indelible mark on the annals of football. In the space of a year, he scored 54 goals, including 10 with the Portuguese national team, and 44 with Al Nassr. In a league where a number of big names signed last summer, Cristiano shone brightly.
With 54 goals in 2023, the last of which came in the 92nd minute on Saturday against Al Taawon on matchday 19 of the Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo finishes the calendar year as the top scorer ahead of Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. Despite the reasons that some may find for not considering him to be the year’s top scorer, the former Madrid star is holding his head high. After the match, CR7 gave his impressions.
“Best goalscorer in the world? With sincerity and hard work! I feel good, I’m in great shape and that’s the main thing. I’d also like to thank all my colleagues, both players and staff, because I wouldn’t have achieved this without their help. I’d also like to thank the Al Nassr fans, who always support us wherever we go. Next year, I’ll try to do even better,” Cristiano Ronaldo told SSC TV, before making an open appeal to European players to join the Pro League. “Everyone watches the Saudi league and I say to the players who play in Europe: if you want, you can come to Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“I’ll decide when it’s over”.
A few hours later, Cristiano sent a clear message to those who wish to see him retire. “54 – I’ll decide when it’s over! the Portuguese posted on Instagram, also thanking his team. The message has got through, and his detractors have been warned: CR7 will not be retiring just yet. Next year, the major event awaiting the Portuguese is undoubtedly Euro 2024 in Germany.
At the age of 39, the current all-time top scorer (873) will be one of the major players at the tournament. In search of another major trophy before hanging up his boots, Cristiano will be doing all he can to take Portugal to the Euros. Packed with talent, the Portuguese national team will be one of the tournament’s major favourites. In the meantime, Al Nassr are likely to extend the contract of their star player, who wants to play until he is 41, i.e. until the 2026 World Cup.
The former Sporting Portugal player’s main objective these days is to reach the 1,000-goal mark. Since the advent of video, which marked the modernisation of the sport, no player has reached this milestone. Today, he is the only player who is closer to this record. Let’s wait and see if he manages it.
Leave a Reply to Ronaldo named top scorer in 2023 – FIFA officially speaks out!Cancel reply