Cristiano Ronaldo has recognised breaking Pele’s legendary goal record.
The Juventus star took his goal tally to 770 with a first-half hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Cagliari on Sunday.
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Pele’s official record stands at 757, however, Ronaldo has only just broken his silence on surpassing the Brazil legend’s disputed total of 767 goals.
In a classy Instagram post, he wrote: “The last few weeks were filled with news and stats considering me the World’s Top Scorer in football history, overcoming Pele’s 757 official goals.
“Although I’m thankful for that recognition, now it’s time for me to explain why I didn’t acknowledge that record until this moment.
“My everlasting and unconditional admiration for mister Edson Arantes do Nascimento, such as the respect that I have for mid-20th century football, led me to take into account his 767 score, assuming his nine goals for Sao Paulo State Team, as well as his single goal for the Brazilian Military Team, as official goals.
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“The World as changed since then and football has changed as well, but this doesn’t mean that we can just erase history according to our interests.
“Today, as I reach the 770th official goal in my professional career, my first words go straight to @pele.
“There’s no player in the World who hasn’t been raised listening to stories about his games, his goals and his achievements, and I’m no exception.
“And for that reason, I’m filled with joy and pride as I acknowledge the goal that put’s me on top of the World’s goalscoring list, overcoming Pele’s record, something that I could never have dreamed of while growing up as a child from Madeira.
“Thanks to all of those who took part of this amazing journey with me.
“To my teammates, to my opponents, to the fans of the beautiful game all over the World and, above all, to my family and close friends: trust me when I say that I couldn’t have done it without you.”
At the end of the Instagram post, Ronaldo quashed rumours he will quit Juventus this summer.
The 36-year-old has been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid since Juventus’ Champions League exit to Porto.
But Ronaldo insists his time in Turin is ‘far from being over’.
He added: “Now I can’t wait for the next games and challenges! The next records and trophies!
“Believe me, this story is still far from being over. The future is tomorrow and there’s still a lot to win for Juventus and Portugal!
“Join me in this journey! Let’s go!”
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