- Ronaldo doesn't care about records
- On track to be top scorer of 2023
- Brace earns key AFC Champions League win
WHAT HAPPENED? Ronaldo took his club goal tally for the calendar year to 43 with a superb brace during Al-Nassr's 4-3 win against Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday. With only two months of the year left, the Portuguese forward is top of the global scoring charts for 2023, but he claims to not be concerned about personal milestones.
WHAT THEY SAID: When this was put to Ronaldo after the match, the 38-year-old gave a surprising response. "I don't care much about records," he said. "I'm just thinking about enjoying it at the moment. Our team is improving from one match to another. Our coach and the technical staff are making a great effort to make Al-Nassr the strongest team. The key to continuing to achieve records is that I am having fun, and this is a beautiful thing in football and the secret of my continuity."
He added on what sets him apart from his peers: "I am happy that I scored goals and performed well, but Cristiano is different from others. I work well, and in the end what I achieve comes with the help of my colleagues and the technical staff and most importantly I am having fun at the moment and helping Al-Nasr and the Portuguese team."
Next Match
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Ronaldo has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, netting 20 goals in 19 matches in all competitions for Al-Nassr. He's currently way ahead of Europe's top goal-scorers in 2023, Erling Haaland and Mauro Icardi, who have both scored 34 goals each.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?: If Ronaldo's priority is his team's achievements, then he'll look to help Al-Nassr win a maiden AFC Champions League and a first Saudi Pro League title since 2019.