Cristiano Ronaldo was presented with a special shirt to commemorate his 700th goal at club level by Manchester United.
The Portuguese reached the record, historic landmark with the winning goal in a 2-1 win against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday night.
And after the game, Ronaldo was given a shirt with his name and the number 700 instead of his usual No 7, with big golden balloons spelling out ‘700’ in the background as the entire squad posed together with him.
United’s official account tweeted a photo of the squad with the simple caption: ‘Congratulations, @Cristiano — from everyone at United #MUFC.’
Ronaldo had posted earlier on Monday afternoon saying: ‘What a beautiful number we’ve achieved together! Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, clubs, family & friends and of course my fans. United we continue,’ followed by a praying emoji.
The tweet included a graphic showing Ronaldo representing the four clubs of his senior career: Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid, Juventus and United.
Ronaldo’s goal was just his second of the season – and his first in the Premier League – after scoring a penalty against Moldovan minnows Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on September 15, nearly a month ago.
After the match, Toffees boss Frank Lampard heaped praise on the 37-year-old, saying: ‘It is outstanding. He is one of the greatest players that has graced the game, ever, in an era when we have had himself and Lionel Messi.
‘The comparison between them doesn’t matter; they are both incredible players in football history.
‘The numbers they have racked up, abnormal numbers that have become normal. When he was on 699, I wanted him to score in the Europa League (against Omonia Nicosia) the other night but it wasn’t to be.’
Pundit and United legend Rio Ferdinand added: ‘700 goals. That’s more than I had appearances. He would have been hurting on the bench and that is the answer, he is going out there with something to prove and he is doing it.
‘We mentioned moving forward and Ronaldo, class always comes through. He would have been disappointed but 700 goals, to be the decisive one today, if anyone was doubting him he’s put them in their place and the WhatsApp group will be talking.’
The result – secured after Antony had cancelled out Alex Iwobi’s opener for the Toffees – leaves Erik ten Hag’s resurgent side fifth in the table, one point off fourth-placed Chelsea and the Champions League qualification places.
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