“It's very beautiful”, said the Manchester United forward, about the trophy presented to him by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, after the announcement of The Best award, which went to Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich).

Ronaldo, who was also part of the FIFPro's eleven of the year, alongside fellow Portuguese player Rúben Dias (Manchester City), was awarded 115 international goals, a record in men's football, after Canadian Christine Sinclair received an equal, for 188 goals in women's football.

“I thank all my teammates, especially in the national team, for the last 20 years I represented my country. The record was 109 [by the Iranian Ali Daei]. I am very proud to receive this award from an organisation I greatly respect,” he declared.

Asked about the secret of continued success, he explained that it is due to his continued “passion for the game”.

“When I go on the pitch, to train, to play, I still enjoy it, and the motivation is there. I will be 37 years old soon, but I still feel good and motivated. I've been working a lot since I was 18. I love football, I have passion, and I want to continue.”

This “dream”, for which he thanked his family, will continue, he hopes, for “another four or five years”.

“It's a mental issue, because physically if you treat the body well, the body returns”, he said.