In Portugal's 4-2 win over Northern Ireland, the
28-year-old moved to second in the all-time goalscoring list with three
second-half strikes
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his pride at breaking
Eusebio's goalscoring record with a hat-trick in Portugal's 4-2 win over
Northern Ireland to become his nation's second-highest goalscorer of all-time.
A second-half trio of goals helped the Seleccao leap back
into first place in their 2014 World Cup qualification group, two points ahead
of Russia who have a game in hand.
The Real Madrid forward entered the game with 40
international goals but left with 43, surpassing legend Eusebio's 41 and only
trailing Pauleta - who is on 47 - in the nation's standings.
"It was the first time I scored three goals for the
national team and for me is something historic," Ronaldo, 28, told
reporters.
"At club-level I have done it, but internationally
it has never happened before. I am happy, it was special.
"I came closer to the record, but that was not my
goal. I am proud to have tied and then exceeded Eusebio, one of the greatest
players to ever play for Portugal. It is with great pride that I take this
record."
Afterwards, the Santiago Bernabeu star wrote on his
official Twitter account: "It was an important result for Portugal in a very
special date for me.
"I would like to dedicate this victory to my father
that has left us 8 years ago."
Portugal coach Paulo Bento was thrilled with the
forward's three-goal performance and he believes the sky is still the limit for
the former Manchester United man.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is from another planet,” he told
reporters.
“He is already the second-best scorer in Portugal
history, which is crazy because he is still young.”
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