Cristiano Ronaldo boasts on global record for goals scored in men's international football, expresses his gratitude to teammates, send message to Ali Daei

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo scored his 110th and 111th goals for Portugal in their dramatic 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Portugal, has stated that the global record for goals scored in men's international football, which he set against Ireland on Tuesday, is the most special record for him.

Ronaldo said in a lengthy Instagram post that of all the records he had broken in his career, this one was particularly meaningful to him and belongs on the shelf of accomplishments that he is most proud of.

Ronaldo scored his 110th and 111th goals for Portugal in their dramatic 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old scored two late headers to break and extend the record.

Ali Daei scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006 but Ronaldo equaled it in the Euro 2020 with a double against France.

“I can’t even start to express myself in words! I’m thrilled with an overwhelming sensation! Let’s go, Portugal! Let’s go!” He wrote.

“From all the records that I have broken during my career – and fortunately there have been a few – this one is very special for me and it’s certainly on the shelf of the achievements that make me truly proud,” Ronaldo said.

The 36-year-old forward said that every moment he wears the Portugal national colours is special to him because he is defending his country and showing the world what the Portuguese stands for.

“Secondly, because National Teams competitions have always had a very strong impact in me as I was growing up, watching my idols playing for their flags every other Summer in Euros and in World Cups,” he added.

“But finally and above all, because scoring 111 goals for Portugal means 111 moments like the ones we experienced today in Algarve, moments of worldwide union and happiness for millions and millions of Portuguese citizens all around the Globe. For them, every sacrifice is worth it,” he added.

The newly signed Manchester United forward also appreciated the previous record holder, Ali Daei.

He said that the Iranian had set the standard so high that at some point, he (Ronaldo) doubted his ability to break it.

He said this is another reason he appreciates the achievement so much and congratulated the Iranian.

“Congratulations to the ‘Shariar’ for holding the record for so long and thanks for always showing so much respect for me every time I scored and as I became closer and closer to his outstanding number,” he added.

Recognizing that he couldn't accomplish it alone, Ronaldo expressed gratitude to his teammates and opponents for allowing him to achieve such a fantastic achievement.

“Thank you very much, Portugal. Thank you to all of my teammates and opponents who helped to make this journey so memorable. In the coming years, let's keep meeting inside the pitch! I'm not going to stop counting just yet...” He concluded.