Gary Neville, Eniola Aluko and Nigel de Jong were all left in awe of Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal captain broke three European Championship records in the defending European champions’ Euro 2020 opener. Ronaldo became the first player to play in five European Championships, and the first to score in five consecutive Euros.
He also surpassed French legend Michel Platini as the top goalscorer in the tournament’s history.
Now the Juventus forward is gunning for another in Ali Daei all-time international goalscoring record of 109, with Ronaldo now just three shy of equaling the Iranian’s feat.
Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure throughout his country’s Euro 2020 opener against Hungary as Portugal were put to the test in Budapest in front of a sell-out crowd of over 60,000.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger missed a sitter in the first half but managed to make amends in the closing stages of the match.
He struck Portugal’s second from the spot after Raphael Guerreiro had given them the lead via a deflection in the 84th minute.
Ronaldo then doubled his tally after a brilliantly-worked goal in stoppage time, as he eventually rounded Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi before tapping into the net.
READ MORE: England boss Gareth Southgate finds new undroppable in Kalvin Phillips after Croatia win
Meanwhile, Aluko, who knows Ronaldo from her time at Juventus, added: “I love the fact he’s just so aware of every record and he just chases it.
“He will keep going until he breaks every record that is there to break.
“It’s unbelievable, unbelievable. He’s three off the international scoring record that Ali Daei has.
“He is probably going to break that, as well.
“We said at half-time that once Portugal score one we think it will be out of sight. That’s what we saw happen.”
De Jong cannot envisage Ronaldo retiring soon, given that he still continues to deliver at the highest level.
“You’ve got to give credit where credit is due,” he said.
“People like to talk about his age and what he’s doing for his domestic clubs. But as long as he’s in this form, he can be so important for his club and country.
“Why let him retire from professional football or even consider him not being at the World Cup next year? The man is a machine.
“He’s always hungry for goals and even when you don’t see him throughout the game, he’s always a potential threat.
“He waited long for his goals but credit to him, he’s only three off the all-time, the 109 goals from Ali Daei. It’s just a matter of time.”
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
