Cristiano Ronaldo says that he will go down as one of the pantheons in footballing history because of his incredible European goal scoring record.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Manchester City, Ronaldo said that despite his detractors, he will go down in folklore.

“I don’t doubt that I will go down in footballing history,” Ronaldo told UEFA official website.

“Whether people like it or not, the numbers speak for themselves.

“I will be up there with the rest. Some like it more, some like it less, but I have no doubt that I’m already in the history of football.”

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Ronaldo said during his days at the academy, he knew he was a special talent, but attributes his rise to hard work and dedication.

“I always felt that I was a special player, ever since I was starting out at Sporting. I felt that sooner or later I would be a top-level professional. I never thought it would come so fast, but I was preparing myself because, like I said, the talent was there.

“I’ve always worked hard, believed in my potential – in the academy at Sporting, at Manchester United and at Real Madrid as well – and I’ve developed more and more as a player, as a person, as a human being. I’ve enjoyed my work.”

He also said that he was proud to be the Champions League top goal scorer, amongst some the games greats.

“It’s a privilege to know that I’m the leading goal scorer of all time in the Champions League,” he added.

“Obviously I feel very happy at having achieved that.

“It’s a special competition and a competition that Real Madrid love. I’ve been lucky enough to win it twice and obviously I want to win it more – hopefully again this year.

“Fans love the Champions League and obviously I also love it, because it’s a special competition.”