Nations League: England training before Finland, Wales build-up & Phil McNulty Q&A

Thomas Duncan
BBC Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

After Cristiano Ronaldo had stretched a supple leg to turn in his 901st career goal and down Scotland, he tore away to the corner flag to perform his customary celebration with all the gusto of a man scoring his first.

He was not done there either, parading down the touchline gesturing and screaming as if he had just scored a goal worth more than three Nations League points.

The 39-year-old has exited the main stage in club football with his move to the Saudi Pro League, and his ecstasy at coming up with yet another big goal for his country at a packed and rowdy Estadio da Luz tells you he probably knows it.

But such is his determination, thirst for goals and success, and almost unrivalled finishing prowess, he keeps finding a way to remain relevant.

Having been left on the bench and unleashed at half-time by Roberto Martinez with Scotland 1-0 up, the game almost instantly became the Ronaldo show.

Before his winner he hit both posts, moaned and furiously gesticulated at the referee and team-mates, while also being pursued by a pitch invader at one stage.

Scoring 901 professional goals is a ridiculous feat, but – such is his ferocious appetite – you really would not bet against him getting to 1,000.

Nobody tells Ronaldo when to step aside. Even if some might want him to.