Portuguese international, Cristiano Ronaldo insist he has plenty more goals left in him after breaking the international scoring record.
The 36-year-old has dominated the headlines over the past week after agreeing a sensational return to Manchester United.
He was in the spotlight again on Wednesday night, as he scored two late headers to give Portugal a 2-1 win over Republic of Ireland and take his international haul to a remarkable 111 goals.
It could have been even better, but the forward saw his first-half spot-kick saved by Republic of Ireland’s teenage keeper Gavin Bazunu.
But by the end of the night, he had eclipsed the 109 goals scored by Iran’s Ali Daei, with whom he had been level before kick-off at the Estadio Algarve.
Writing on his Instagram account, Ronaldo said: “From all the records that I have broken during my career – and fortunately there have been a few – this one is very special for me and it’s certainly on the shelf of the achievements that make me truly proud.
“First of all, because every time I represent my country is a special moment, for knowing that I’m defending Portugal and showing to the world what Portuguese people are made of.
“Secondly, because national teams competitions have always had a very strong impact on me as I was growing up, watching my idols playing for their flags every other summer in Euros and in World Cups.
“But finally and above all, because scoring 111 goals for Portugal means 111 moments like the ones we experienced today in Algarve, moments of worldwide union and happiness for millions and millions of Portuguese citizens all around the globe. For them, every sacrifice is worth it.
“Thank you Portugal. Thanks to all my team-mates and opponents for making this journey so unforgettable. Let’s keep meeting inside the pitch in the years to come. I’m not closing the count just yet…”
Egan’s 45th-minute header took Kenny to within 60 seconds of a first competitive victory at the 10th attempt 20 years to the day to their famous qualifier win over Holland.
But Ronaldo’s headed goals in the 89th and sixth minute of stoppage time left the Republic without a Group A point after three games.
