Cristiano Ronaldo has said he 'knew I would achieve' reaching the remarkable tally of 900 goals for club and country — a milestone that has never been reached before.

In a perfect full-circle moment, the 39-year-old netted his 900th goal during Portugal's 2-1 Nations League victory over Croatia on Wednesday in front of an expectant Lisbon crowd.

For it was while Ronaldo was playing for Sporting Lisbon in 2002 — before he made his storied journey through two spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr — where his first-ever goal was produced, in a league game against Moreirense at the age of 17.

Nearly 22 years and a breathtaking 899 goals later and the Portugal talisman was visibly overwhelmed when he converted Nuno Mendes' cross in the 34th minute against Croatia, collapsing to the ground in tears as his team-mates swarmed him.

'We know that he is capable of reaching a certain age with this great level of demand, but it is up to him to decide and I am sure he will decide in favour of his well-being and the national team.'