Brazilian great Pele has congratulated Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for breaking his record for goals in official matches.
Ronaldo bagged a hat trick as Juve ran 3-1 winners over Cagliari on Sunday to bring his total goal tally to 770 goals
Taking to Instagram, Ronaldo wrote: “I’m filled with joy and pride as I acknowledge the goal that puts me on top of the World’s goal scoring list, overcoming Pele’s record, something that I could never have dreamed of while growing up as a child from Madeira”.
80-year-old Pele, the only player in history to win three World Cups, took to Instagram saying:
“Life is a solo flight. Each makes his own journey. And what a beautiful journey you are having! I admire you a lot, I love watching you play and this is no secret to anyone. Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches”
“My only regret is not being able to give you a hug today. But I leave this photo in your honor, with great affection, as the symbol of a friendship that has existed for many years.”
Since football’s world governing body FIFA does not keep an official record of who is on top of the all-time scoring list, it is a benchmark that is hotly contested.
Ronaldo’s goals include 668 for club sides – five with Sporting Lisbon, 118 for Manchester United, 450 for Real Madrid, and 95 for Juventus. He has also scored 120 for Portugal.
