On Tuesday night, Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into Champions League history by becoming the first player in the tournament’s history to score 11 goals in the group stage.
The Portuguese superstar scored four past Swedish side Malmo en route to an 8-0 victory, his first “poker” in a European competition, becoming the first Blancos ace to net four times in a single Champions League encounter since Ferenc Puskas against Feyenoord in 1965.
This comes at a crucial time for the 30-year-old ace, with the player enduring a turbulent season which has many believing that he has been overtaken by Neymar in the 2015 Ballon d’Or race.
Speaking to Spanish TV station Mega, Cristiano was not too fazed by his latest record, but instead hailed the team’s excellent performance.
"I am very happy, it was a good game for the team," said the Real Madrid number 7.
Cristiano set a record on Tuesday night for the most number of UCL group stage goals
11 - @Cristiano Ronaldo has set a new record of goals in the Champions League group stage by scoring 11 this season. Phenomenal.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 8, 2015
"All the players, not just those up front. We knew it was a game we could do well in, by putting on pressure up top we would score.
"On a personal level, I am happy for another record. I don't seek out records, records seek me out."
The Portuguese ace's 4-goal haul vs Malmo took his UCL goal taly to 89
Today, @Cristiano broke another CL record. Details here: https://t.co/CWOYY9xdua pic.twitter.com/pu9Yr6EGXZ
— LiveSoccerTV.com (@LiveSoccerTV) December 9, 2015
The Merengues all-time record scorer has constantly been linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu, speculation which was further fuelled after the player shared a warm hug and a few words with PSG boss Laurent Blanc.
However, the player has dismissed these transfer rumors, insisting that he will honor his contract with Real Madrid.
"What happened with Blanc is very simple. He is someone who treats you well if you talk with him. If someone from Chelsea, Manchester United or Barcelona is a nice guy, I will speak with him.
"Obviously, it means nothing. I have a contract with Madrid and I will stay here."
The 2015 Ballon d’Or is fast approaching, and with many writing off Ronaldo’s chances of beating the Barca duo of Messi and Neymar to the coveted prize, the three-time recipient claims not to be obsessed with winning the award.
"I am not obsessed with that, I am happy with my season, after the problems I had at the start of the season," added the former Man United winger. "Now I have more confidence and the team are helping me a lot."
