Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Rich Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo hints at his next aim after Portugal star breaks Euro record

Cristiano Ronaldo's latest goalscoring masterclass has him closing in on a historic record - but team success is seemingly his only focus.

Ronaldo bagged four goals in Portugal's 5-1 rout of Lithuania in Euro 2020 qualfiying on Tuesday, taking his tally to 93 international goals.

He has now broken Robbie Keane's record for the most goals in European qualifiers and is just 16 goals behind Ali Daei's remarkable record for most international goals with his 109 strikes for Iran.

Ronaldo, 34, is showing no signs of slowing up on the international stage and says the recent success of his national side is driving him on to continue performing.

After taking a major step towards booking their spot at Euro 2020, Ronaldo hinted securing qualification is now his next main aim, rather than his individual goalscoring exploits.

Cristiano Ronaldo bagged four goals for Portgual against Lithuania (VALDA KALINA/EPA-EFE/REX)

"I'm having a good time, but the team was doing very well too," Ronaldo told reporters after the game.

"I am happy and enjoying this moment, not because I scored the goals, but because of the level we have been able to demonstrate in recent years.

"It is up to me to continue helping the national team.

"The hardest thing was winning in Serbia, and it was important to continue with a triumph here.

Ronaldo is focused on team success despite his remarkable goal tally rising (ANTONIO COTRIM/EPA-EFE/REX)

"We are closer, we have two games – one at home and one away – and I think if we win one of those matches it's enough."

Portugal's win moved them up to second place in Group B on eight points, five behind leaders Ukraine but with a game in hand.

Their win over Serbia in Friday's six-goal thriller ensured they are on course to qualify for the tournament in a bid to repeat their Euro 2016 triumph.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.