Cristiano Ronaldo Explains Post-Record Phrase: "So They Don't Forget"

"I'm back." Cristiano Ronaldo declared in English shortly after the final whistle of Portugal's match against Uzbekistan. The national team captain scored two of the Seleção's goals, becoming the first player in history to score in six different World Cup editions.

Speaking to Sport TV at the end of the game, he explained his on-field outburst to the cameras: "It's so they don't forget."

When asked if this was the best response to the criticism following the opening match, Ronaldo's reply was equally succinct: "Always!"

"I'm very happy, but the most important thing is the team's effort and the confidence we had. We took a lot of flak during the week, we knew that would happen, but the team worked well, we improved a lot. Sometimes bad things happen for a good reason," Ronaldo stated. He also surpassed Eusébio as Portugal's all-time leading scorer in World Cups with 10 goals.

"It's always nice to break records, but the important thing is to help the national team achieve its goals. Now it was about getting through the knockout stage. With 4 points, I think we've already qualified. I'm very happy," he added. "God helps those who work hard. I knew my teammates would help too. It was a difficult week, a dark week. It seemed like I was already retired from football, but I held on, as always, because I believe in hard work. It was difficult, I must confess, but we are back," he concluded.