“I don’t follow records, records follow me” – Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has boldly claimed that “records follow me”.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has made a habit of re-writing the history books over the course of a remarkable career at the very highest level, with a standing as an all-time icon already safely secured.

Despite being 37, the Portugal international has showed no signs of slowing down and has continued to set new records.

The legendary Portuguese forward has told United’s ‘Player Diaries’ of continuously raising the bar of individual brilliance, with more honours about to be chased down in 2022-23 under the guidance of new boss Erik ten Hag: “The records, it’s coming in a natural way.

“I don’t follow the records but the records follow me. So it’s good.

“It’s still my motivation to carry on. Just working hard.

“I still love the passion for the game. And of course Manchester and my team-mates helped me all the way so I have to appreciate all the people who help Cristiano.

“But the most important thing for me is to try to win the games and try to win some championship or some cup but I believe that Manchester will be where they belong. Sometimes it takes time, but I still believe.”

In March, when netting a hat-trick against Tottenham, Ronaldo passed Josef Biscan to become FIFA’s all-time leading goalscorer in competitive matches.

He is the highest-scoring player in the history of men’s international football, with 115 goals for Portugal. He is also the highest goalscorer in the Champions League with 140 goals.

Ronaldo has more international caps (187) than any other European player, boasts the most appearances in the UEFA Team of the Year (15), is Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer (450) and is the only player to have scored 50-plus goals in seven consecutive calendar years.