Cristiano Ronaldo played down his latest record as “natural” after a double strike in Portugal's 5-1 friendly win over Cameroon on Wednesday established him as his country's all-time top international goalscorer.
Ronaldo had been level with former Paris Saint-Germain forward Pauleta, who scored 47 times in 88 appearances for Portugal, but the Real Madrid star’s brace on Wednesday took his tally to 49 in 110 games.
Speaking to national broadcaster RTP after the game, the Portugal captain said he had known the record would fall eventually given the work he puts in and the team he has around him.
“I do not look to beat records,” Ronaldo said. “This happens naturally, with a lot of effort, dedication, with the excellent national team we have, a good coach. I knew that sooner or later it was going to happen.”
Ronaldo also equalled former Porto and Lazio defender Fernando Couto's mark of 110 international appearances for the country, but still has to catch ex-Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan winger Luis Figo's record of 127 senior caps.
Portugal's other goals on the night came from Raul Meireles, Fabio Coentrao and Edinho, with Vincent Aboubakar replying for the visitors.