Cristiano Ronaldo declined to comment after the hat-trick that earned his Juventus victory in Cagliari and which responded to criticism for the elimination against Porto. The ex-Madridista, however, wanted to dedicate a long message on Instagram to the umpteenth milestone of his career: having surpassed Pelé in the number of goals made. In AS we celebrated this record on January 3, when the Portuguese, with a double against Udinese, added 758 goals in his career, one more than the Brazilian legend. Also according to CR7 accounts, Pelé signed 757 goals, but the Juventus explained why he announced this record only today: “In recent weeks there was a lot of news that I was considered the greatest scorer in football history, surpassing the 757 goals of Pelé. I am very grateful, but now it is time to explain why I did not recognize this record until now. My immense admiration for Edson Arantes do Nascimento and the respect I have for mid-20th century football, has led me to count 767 goals for him, taking into account as official the nine he scored for the São Paulo state team and the that he signed with the Brazilian military team. The world and football have changed, but we cannot cancel history just for our own interests. “
Cristiano, then, addressed Pelé directly: “There is no player in the world who has not grown up listening to the stories about his games, his goals and everything he has achieved, and I am no exception. For that reason, It fills me with joy and pride to have exceeded his record, something that I would never have dreamed of while growing up in Madeira “.
The striker, after thanking fans, teammates, rivals and “above all his family and friends, without whom he would not have achieved that,” promised more: “Now I can't wait to get to new games, new ones challenges, records and trophies. Believe me, this story is still far from its end. The future is tomorrow and there is much to be gained with Juventus and Portugal. Go!”.
Pelé congratulated Cristiano on Twitter
Pelé took advantage of his social networks to congratulate Cristiano on his new goal record and published a photo in which O Rey is seen handing the Portuguese star a trophy.
@ChristianWhat a beautiful day you are having! Eu I admire you very much and isso não é segredo para ninguém. Parabéns for breaking or meu remembrance of goals in official games. I leave this photo in your homage, with much affection, as a symbol of a friend who has existed for many years. pic.twitter.com/PhjXIDP3P1
– Pelé (@Pele) March 14, 2021
“Cristiano, what a beautiful career you are doing! I admire you a lot and this is not a secret for anyone. Congratulations for beating my record for goals in official matches. I leave you this photo in your honor, with much affection, as a symbol of a ' friendship that has existed for many years', O'Rey's words on his official Twitter account.