Ronaldo targets 50 goal haul
2008-05-12 12:06
Manchester - Cristiano Ronaldo believes he could score 50 goals for Manchester United next season after striking 41 times during his side's current campaign.
Ronaldo's penalty against Wigan on Sunday helped United win the English title and took his league tally to 31 - equalling Alan Shearer's Premier League record for a 38-game season.
The Portugal star's impressive total this term, boosted by another 10 in the Champions League and FA Cup, has played a key role in United's title success and their Champions League final appearance.
It is even more remarkable considering Ronaldo often plays as a winger rather than a striker but he sees no reason why he can't reach a half century of goals next year.
"Fifty? I don't know. I'll try my best. I don't look for goals, I look to play well and if the goals are coming, it's good," he told MUTV.
"I think I've not just improved this season; I try to improve every year. I'm better now than five years ago.
Perfect day
"I think at the right club, playing with the right players, you learn all the time. This season has been good for me because I've scored many goals and the team have played fantastically to win the Premier League."
United's victory at the JJB Stadium was part of a perfect day for Ronaldo, who was voted the club's Player of the Year by their fans and his teammates at an awards ceremony at Old Trafford later on Sunday.
His stunning free-kick against Portsmouth was also voted the club's goal of the season.
Ronaldo admitted the feeling when the final whistle confirmed United as champions was unforgettable.
"Sometimes you don't have the words to say what it feels like to be a champion. It's amazing," he said.
"I would have preferred it if it was at Old Trafford because the atmosphere would have been brilliant but we won at the JJB and it's very good to be champions."
With the title retained, Ronaldo is focused on winning the Champions League for the first time. United have pipped Chelsea in the league and now face Avram Grant's side in Moscow on May 21.
Ronaldo knows United have the momentum after their domestic success and he can't wait for his first appearance in Europe's showpiece match.
"It's going to be fantastic if we win the Champions League. The feeling is going to be amazing if we win," he said.
"In the final you never know, it is 50-50. I'm very happy and proud to play in the final, this is my first time.
"I feel very excited, the lads have belief and it is a great opportunity for all of the players. The lads want to win and of course I want to win as well.
"We have a great opportunity. Why not? I'm sure in this game that if you have the opportunity to win, you win."
- AFP