Ronaldo puts an end to his rivalry with Messi: It was nice while it lasted

In the coming days, Portugal will have two qualifying matches for the European Championship, first against Slovakia away, and then they will face Luxembourg at home. However, at the press conference organized for that very occasion, there was little talk about the upcoming matches. The central topic was Cristiano Ronaldo and everything that happens around him.

The experienced Portuguese continued his streak against Al-Hazem last weekend. He scored a goal in the third consecutive game. It was his 850th goal in official matches, making football history. And he does not intend to stop there, even though he is well into his 39th year of life. Journalists were interested in what is it that still makes him go forward and not give up.

"It's a historic achievement. I'm proud of the numbers I've achieved. But I want more, as long as I play the bar must be higher, I aim high. I'm grateful to those who helped me, both in the clubs and in the national team," said Ronaldo.

He refuses to relax. Right behind him on the all-time list is Lionel Messi with 818 goals. Journalists asked if maybe the rivalry with the Argentinian motivates him further.

"I don't see it that way anymore, there is no rivalry. It was nice, the fans liked it. Anyone who likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't have to hate Messi. Both are very good, they changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that's the most important thing. He's gone his way, so have I. He's doing well, from what I've seen. The legacy is there, but the rivalry? I don't see it that way. I've always said, we shared the stage for 15 years and were, I won't say friends, but like two colleagues who respect each other."

Ronaldo also referred to the criticism he received when he decided to go to Saudi Arabia after leaving Manchester United.

"It is normal to criticize, which league has not been criticized? In which league there are no problems? Controversies? There are controversies in Arabia and Portugal... I knew and I will always repeat, many thought I was crazy, but now suddenly I am not anymore. It is already 'normal' to play in Saudi Arabia. As a Al Nassr player I knew this would happen. For me it is an honor to change not only football but the culture, to bring big stars there. It makes me very proud. Why not give them a chance? I am a pioneer of all of that and I'm proud of it, but more than anything I want the Saudi League to continue to grow in the years to come."

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Last season, Ronaldo scored 14 goals for Al Nassr; this time he already scored six in four games, and he could easily exceed last year's "limit".

"It wouldn't be bad, I'm used to big numbers and sometimes 10, 15, 17 doesn't seem enough. I think this year I'll score more than 17 goals. I started well, last year I didn't have a good preseason like this one, that's the key," Ronaldo pointed out.