Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench against Everton as he helped Manchester United complete a comeback against Toffees by netting the winner. However, there was more to the 37-year-old’s first goal in the league this season, as it was also his 700th strike in club career. Tributes and applauds showered in from throughout the world for Ronaldo, as Indian cricketer Virat Kohli too joined in.
Kohli, who is now in Australia with the Indian contingent as they are slated to kick-off their ICC T20 World Cup this month, didn’t give a miss to his ‘GOAT’s 700th goal. The 33-year-old is known to be a Cristian0 Ronaldo fan, and as a result didn’t held back his joy after the Portuguese netted against the Toffees.
Cristiano Ronaldo end Premier League drought in 700th goal
Life has be tough for Cristiano Ronaldo at United this season, as he is missing playing in the Champions League. The Red Devils finished sixth last season in the league, handing them a ticket to the Europa League. Ronaldo couldn’t adjust with the fact, and hence was looking for a new suitor throughout the summer transfer window. However, no ‘Champions League club’ was ready to take in the 37-year-old, as he was forced to stay at Old Trafford.
Things didn’t go well with the new United boss Erik ten Hag who has benched the striker for 6 league games out of 7. Add to his frustration, Ronaldo has been handed with regular starts in the Europa League only, starting 3 of 3 outings in the competition so far. With just one start in 7 Premier League games, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 18 league goals last season was yearning for his first this campaign.
Ten Hag once again benched Ronaldo for the Everton game, and started Anthony Martial instead of him. However, half-hour into the game Martial was forced off with an injury as Cristiano replaced him. With the scoreline hung at 1-1, it took the talismanic forward only 15 minutes to get on the scoresheet and put United into the lead. Ronaldo celebrated his first goal in the league as well as 700th in his club career. He then took it to Instagram to express his feelings on the goal as well as the team’s win after the game
Ronaldo wrote: “Great win guys! Another step in the right direction! ??#WeStandUnited”.
To which the Indian cricketer-fanboy replied: “The G.O.A.T. #700”
Kohli has always admired both Cristiano Ronaldo and his fierce rival Lionel Messi, but feels the Portugal captain is a cut above everyone else. Back in 2014, in an interview with England’s legendary batsman Kevin Pietersen, Kohli had said:
“Lionel Messi is a freak, absolute natural talent, and his ability is second to none. For me, what stands out is the ability or the will to put in the effort in every single minute of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo’s drive separates him from everyone else. Playing at the top level, everyone has talent, but I don’t think anyone has the will that he has.”
Argued by many as the GOAT of his game, Kohli has so far scored a stunning 24,130 runs across all formats of cricket [Test, ODI and T2oI]. A GOAT recognising another GOAT’s exploits is quite a mesmerising site for the fans of both players.