Published on 06:34 PM, June 03, 2022

I don’t follow records; records follow me: Ronaldo

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo controls the ball during a training session ahead of their UEFA Nations League encounter against Spain. PHOTO: TWITTER

Even though Manchester United had a dismal season, star Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo still managed to shine and set a few records in the last season. 

Just a week after his return to the Reds, Ronaldo set a new international goalscoring record. He is currently on an astonishing 115 goals for Portugal.

In December, he scored against Arsenal to pass 800 career goals and then, on his way to a hat-trick versus Tottenham in March, he surpassed Josef Bican as FIFA's all-time record goalscorer in competitive matches.

The 37-year-old has been used to setting such incredible numbers during his career, but now he's fixed his sights on adding to the silverware he collected during his first spell at United, between 2003 and 2009.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, Ronaldo expressed, "The records [are] coming naturally. I don't follow the records, but they follow me, so it's good. It's still my motivation to continue working hard, to love the passion for the game, and of course, Manchester and my teammates help me all the way, so I have to appreciate all the people who help Cristiano."

Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions and was a rare bright spark in an otherwise disappointing season for United, who failed to qualify for the Champions League after finishing sixth in the Premier League.

"It's always nice to score goals for this club. When it is a hat trick, it's even more [nice]. But, the most important thing for me is to try to win the games and try to win some championship or some cup, but I believe that Manchester will be where they belong. Sometimes it takes time, but I still believe," added Ronaldo.

Ronaldo also spoke about how the fans welcomed him back to Old Trafford after over a decade. "What I have to say to the fans is they are amazing. Even when you've lost the game, they always support us. They're always with us. The supporters are always in my heart, and it's the people that all should respect because they are always on our side," he assessed.

"For example, the first game, of course, I not just felt it in the game, but one day before in the hotel. I was a bit nervous before, which is normal, but things went well. I start the game, I score two goals, and it was very, very nice," concluded Ronaldo, as he prepares to play under new United manager, Erik ten Hag.