Serie A

PELE has congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo for beating his career goals tally.
The Juventus superstar netted a hat-trick today, as Andrea Pirlo’s side downed Cagliari 3-1 in Serie A.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, celebrates clinching his hat-trick against Cagliari – the goals took his career tally to a whopping 770Credit: Getty Images – Getty

CR7 shares a lot of respect with Brazilian legend PeleCredit: AFP

Many believed that Ronaldo, 36, surpassed the Brazilian’s record in January, when he netted his 757th and 758th official goals against Udinese.
So some eyebrows were raised when Pele sent a tweet this afternoon, congratulating the Portuguese forward.
The 80-year-old tweeted, alongside a picture of the duo: “@Cristiano, what a beautiful journey you are having!
“I admire you a lot and this is no secret to anyone. Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches.

“I leave this photo in your honour, with great affection, as a symbol of a friendship that has existed for many years.”
Ronaldo himself took to his Facebook page to clear up the situation.
He wrote: “The last few weeks were filled with news and stats considering me the World’s Top Scorer in football history, overcoming Pele’s 757 official goals. Although I’m thankful for that recognition, now it’s time for me to explain why I didn’t acknowledge that record until this moment.
“My everlasting and unconditional admiration for mister Edson Arantes do Nascimento, such as the respect that I have for mid-20th century football, led me to take into account his 767 score, assuming his 9 goals for Sao Paulo State Team, as well as his single goal for the Brazilian Military Team, as official goals.

Pele, 80, remains one of the most decorated players in the history of footballCredit: Alamy

“The World as changed since then and football as changed as well, but this doesn’t mean that we can just erase history according to our interests.
“Today, as I reach the 770th official goal in my professional career, my first words go straight to @pele. There’s no player in the World who hasn’t been raised listening to stories about his games, his goals and his achievements, and I’m no exception.
“And for that reason, I’m filled with joy and pride as I acknowledge the goal that put’s me on top of the World’s goalscoring list, overcoming Pele’s record, something that I could never have dreamed of while growing up as a child from Madeira.
“Thanks to all of those who took part of this amazing journey with me. To my team-mates, to my opponents, to the fans of the beautiful game all over the World and, above all, to my family and close friends: trust me when I say that I couldn’t have done it without you.

Believe me, this story is still far from being over
Cristiano Ronaldo

“Now I can’t wait for the next games and challenges! The next records and trophies! Believe me, this story is still far from being over. The future is tomorrow and there’s still a lot to win for Juventus and Portugal!
“Join me in this journey! Let’s go!”
After his third effort against Cagliari, Ronaldo pointed to his ear in defiance, after facing a week of criticism following the Old Lady’s Champions League exit at the hands of Porto.
He grabbed the first after just 10 minutes, launching a trademark leap to convert a free header from Juan Cuadrado’s out-swinging corner.
And it was 2-0 around 15 minutes later, when he coolly netted from the penalty spot.

That’s a first half HAT-TRICK for Cristiano Ronaldo! 🎩Looks like he’s heard the criticism since Juve’s shock Champions League exit 👂 pic.twitter.com/oMvvnmtLki
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) March 14, 2021

Ronaldo then wasted little time grabbing the match ball.
Federico Chiesa brilliantly launched Juve downfield on the counter-attack.
And at the end of his lung-busting run, the 23-year-old calmly found Ronaldo on the right side of the penalty area.
The former Real Madrid star chopped onto his left-foot, before rifling the ball past the helpless Alessio Cragno.
The 3-1 win sees Juve go back to within ten points of league leaders Inter Milan with a game in hand, after Antonio Conte’s side beat Juve’s city rivals Torino 2-1 earlier on Sunday.
Despite having beaten Pele’s record, Ronaldo remains behind Czech striker Igor Bican, who Fifa claim scored 805 career goals in the 1940s and 50s.
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CRISTIANO RONALDO sent a cheeky message to his doubters as he crashed in a first-half hat-trick against Cagliari.
The Juventus superstar has copped a lot of flak this week, on the back of his side’s disappointing Champions League exit to Porto.

That’s a first half HAT-TRICK for Cristiano Ronaldo! 🎩Looks like he’s heard the criticism since Juve’s shock Champions League exit 👂 pic.twitter.com/oMvvnmtLki
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) March 14, 2021

Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, celebrates a stunning hat-trick as Juventus won 3-1Credit: AP:Associated Press

CR7 smashes home his third of the afternoon against CagliariCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Reports have since surfaced that the Italian giants are even willing to cash in on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for just £25million.
But in response, the 36-year-old smashed in a hat-trick by the 32nd minute of the trip to Cagliari.
He grabbed the first after just 10 minutes, launching a trademark leap to convert a free header from Juan Cuadrado’s out-swinging corner.
And it was 2-0 15 minutes later, when he coolly netted from the penalty spot.

Ronaldo then wasted little time grabbing the match ball.
Federico Chiesa brilliantly launched Juve downfield on the counter-attack.
And at the end of his lung-busting run, the 23-year-old calmly found Ronaldo on the right side of the penalty area.
The former Real Madrid star chopped onto his left-foot, before rifling the ball past the helpless Alessio Cragno.

Cristiano Ronaldo powers in a header from the corner! 💥A trademark leap and an emphatic finish to give Juve the lead ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/kzC8CXV5rX
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) March 14, 2021

Juventus’ No7 nods home Juan Cuadrado’s corner for his firstCredit: Getty Images – Getty

In celebrating the goal, CR7 ran to a camera on the touchline, before pointing to his ear in defiance.
Giovanni Simeone did manage to pull a goal back for the home side just after the hour mark.
But Juve held out to secure a big three points for Andrea Pirlo’s men.
The result sees them go back to within ten points of league leaders Inter Milan with a game in hand, after Antonio Conte’s side beat Juve’s city rivals Torino 2-1.

Ronaldo, 36, converts from the spotCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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LAUTARO MARTINEZ scored a brilliant late header to fire Inter Milan one step closer to the Serie A title.
The Argentine, who was tracked by Barcelona last summer, was picked out by Alexis Sanchez in the box to settle a tightly-fought contest in the 85th minute.

Lautaro Martinez brilliantly headed home Inter Milan’s winnerCredit: EPA

Romelu Lukaku broke the deadlock on the hour mark from 12-yards when Martinez was fouled in the box.
Armando Izzo clumsily went through the back of the striker leaving the referee with no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
With boss Antonio Conte watching from the stands while serving a touchline ban, Lukaku made no mistake – drilling the ball into the bottom corner to bag his 19th league goal of the season.
But the visitors were pegged back just seven minutes later.

Inter failed to deal with a corner from the right before Antonio Sanabria stabbed home the loose ball.
The point could have proved crucial for Torino as they sit three points adrift of safety.
And it appeared to be heading that way until Martinez superbly proved his worth.
His goal sparked wild celebrations, with Inter knowing they are on the brink of ending Juventus’ dominance in the league.

Antonio Conte was watching from the stands as he serves a touchline banCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The Argentine’s excellent header handed Inter Milan all three pointsCredit: EPA

Romelu Lukaku fired the visitors ahead from the spot on the hourCredit: EPA

The victory leaves Inter Milan nine points clear of rivals AC who can close the gap with a win over Napoli.
Juventus, who sit in third, have won the title in the last nine-consecutive seasons while Inter’s last triumph came in the Treble-winning 2009-10 campaign when Jose Mourinho was in charge.
Victory also meant Inter are now 10 games without defeat having won their last eight consecutive matches.

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ARTURO VIDAL has been up for sale by Inter Milan, according to reports.
And Brazilian side Flamengo are ‘dreaming’ of recruiting the eight-time league title winner.

Arturo Vidal has underwhelmed at InterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Antonio Conte was eager to be reunited with the Chilean last summer, grabbing him from Barcelona for just £900,000.
But the 33-year-old former former Juventus ace’s return to Serie A could be a brief one, having so far underwhelmed at Inter.
According to Calcio Mercato, Vidal is now ‘no use’ to Conte’s side – with Christian Eriksen the more likely to stay.
Vidal may be tricky to shift come the summer, however, as he’ll still have a year remaining on his £100,000-a-week deal signed in September.

According to the midfielder’s former Bayern Munich team-mate Rafinha, however, Vidal is already enamoured with Flamengo.
The 35-year-old, who won the Copa Libertadores with the Brazilian giants in 2019, said: “Vidal has a great desire to play for Flamengo. A lot.
“When he saw us win the Libertadores in 2019, he went crazy.
“He told me ‘Rafa, I have to play for Flamengo.’

The Chilean has largely had to be content with a place on the bench of lateCredit: AFP or licensors
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“He really likes Flamengo. He wears the shirt even now that he is in Europe.”
Vidal has made 30 appearances for Inter this season, initially a regular starter for Conte.
But he has largely been a substitute in recent weeks, following Eriksen’s renaissance.
He was granted another chance in the starting XI for Monday night’s clash with Atalanta.
But he was hooked after just 52 minutes following a performance ‘full of errors’.

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THIS is the stunning ocean-view villa Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly renting for his family before he returns to Italy last summer during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Juventus striker, 36, picked the £3,500-a-week six-bed property in a remote spot near the fishing village of Canical after tiring of his luxury apartment in the Madeira capital Funchal during the first lockdown.

Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was said to have switched to this amazing home near the sea in Carnical from his luxury apartment in Madeira last summerCredit: Airbnb

Portugal hero Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly hired this incredible property, yet returned to Italy within daysCredit: Airbnb

The coronavirus lockdown didn’t hit Critiano Ronaldo too hard, judging by the living roomCredit: Airbnb
A video Ronaldo posted on Instagram showed him doing sprints up a ramp with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, next to a red-roofed house with a large garden – very different to the urban seven-storey apartment he bought in 2019 and had been staying at during the coronavirus lockdown.
‘IDEAL HOLIDAY HOME’
Ronaldo’s rented villa, which can sleep six, is in a gated estate and has a huge pool set in a landscaped garden with palm trees, stunning views of the Atlantic, and direct access to the beach below.
It also has a games room with a snooker table, and an outside BBQ.

It is described on local property website Madeira-legacy.com as “very private” and the “ideal holiday home for a family or group of friends.”
Cristiano and Georgina were believed to have relaxed there with children Ronaldinho Jr and twins Eva and Matteo.

There is no shortage of entertainment on offer in the property Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly rented, including a games roomCredit: Airbnb

Ocean views enhance the luxury of the villa Cristiano Ronaldo and his family were thought to enjoy last summerCredit: Airbnb

The kitchen facilities are hardly cramped for Cristiano Ronaldo, Georgina Rodriguez and their childrenCredit: Airbnb

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to his native Portugal after the lockdownCredit: AFP or licensors
Correio da Manha’s magazine Vidas quoted a source saying: “He felt he needed space, that he was getting a bit stifled inside four walls.
“This new place has a big garden and more privacy of course. Cristiano is very used to having a quiet life.”

Cristiano’s mum Dolores Aveiro, who suffered a stroke last year, and his older brother Hugo are understood to have stayed on in Funchal.
They live on lower floors of the seven-storey apartment block the footballer bought in 2019 so he could enjoy the top two floors and its rooftop swimming pool when he was in town.

The lack of privacy Cristiano had by being in Funchal meant that when he went out for a quick walk with his family, they were approached by fans and pictures of them were taken which went round the world.
Georgina was also photographed shopping days earlier.

Canical, a half-hour drive east of Funchal, is home to around 6,000 people. It was the centre of the whaling industry until the early eighties and has a whale museum.
Emanuel Santos, the sculptor behind a bizarre statue of Cristiano which was mocked all over the world after it was unveiled at Madeira’s airport in March 2017, comes from Canical.
One of the sculptures he had crafted before the Ronaldo bust was unveiled, of two fishermen sat in a small fishing boat, is on a roundabout at the entrance to the village.

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