Iran's 'King' Daei ready to be dethroned by Ronaldo

Iranian football great Ali Daei is ready for Cristiano Ronaldo to break his all-time international goalscoring record, perhaps during Euro 2020.

The 'Shariar' (King in Persian) scored a remarkable 109 goals in 149 appearances for Iran between 1993 and 2006, an achievement many thought would never be matched.

But Ronaldo is fast closing in, moving to 106 international goals from 176 games with his double in Portugal's 3-0 win over Hungary in Budapest on Tuesday.

Daei has said on several occasions that he would be "delighted" if Ronaldo broke his record, as he believes the Juventus striker ranks among the best three players in history, alongside Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

"Records are made to be broken," Daei told Khabar Online news agency in 2018.

"Ronaldo really has the qualities to do it. I have a lot of respect for him. He is such a great player that it isn't even necessary to sing his praises."

Ronaldo's record chase fascinates the Iranian press, with articles about him published every time the 36-year-old edges closer to Daei's tally.

Ronaldo will have the opportunity to get closer or even equal Daei's record when Portugal take on Germany in their second Group F fixture at Euro 2020 tonight.