'I can prove that': Cristiano Ronaldo takes dig at footballing icon Pelé

Cristiano Ronaldo achieved yet another staggering feat in his historic football career, scoring his 900^th career goal for Portugal in their 2-0 Nations League win against Croatia.

His landmark goal came in the 34^th minute at the Estadio do Benfica, volleying in Portugal's second after a whipped cross from Nuno Mendes.

'CR7' has strived for perfection and to be the best his whole career, and has set his sights on one more lofty goal – scoring 1000 career goals.

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Many recognise Ronaldo as the top scorer in football history, but FIFA recognises Brazilian icon Pelé as the top scorer, having netted 1,281 goals in his career.

However, there is one slight twist to Pelé's goals, with many of his goals coming in approximately 550 exhibition games. Without exhibitions, Pelé's record is 762 goals, the PFSA website reports.

The Portuguese icon had a sit-down interview on his new YouTube channel with former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, outlining his goals for the future and making a sly remark at Pelé.

According to the UR Cristiano YouTube channel, Ronaldo said: "Soon I will do 900 and, after, I will beat 1000." He added: "I want to reach 1000 goals. If I don't have injuries, this, for me, is the most important. It's the best marker I can have in football to first reach 900."

"After, my challenge is to reach 1,000 goals. [There will be] one difference: all of my goals have videos, so I can prove that."

Pelé played between 1956 and 1977 when TV and video footage was very much in its infancy. Is it a fair remark to make? Probably not, but the exhibition games do take away credibility from the number of goals Pelé scored.

At 39, Ronaldo is certainly in the twilight of his career, and 100 goals is no easy feat for any player. Despite that, 'CR7' was the Saudi Pro League top scorer last season, having bagged 35 goals in 31 league matches and 44 overall.

What do you think? Can Cristiano Ronaldo reach 1000 goals before retiring? Let us know in the comments!

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