'Unique' Cristiano still on course to reach a sixth World Cup, at 41

CRISTIANO RONALDO has an insatiable desire to succeed that keeps driving him to a sixth World Cup next summer.

- BY KEITH WEBSTER

The Portugal forward will turn 41 in February and has played a staggering 223 times for his country, scoring an incredible 141 goals.

He has at least one international goal in each of the past 22 calendar years and according to Portugal head coach, Roberto Martinez, there is no logic to what keeps him going.

Tonight it is the turn of the Republic of Ireland to try to stop the former Manchester United forward, who continues to amaze his manager.

"Normally when a player wins or achieves something, the next morning they don't have the same hunger," said Martinez.

"But I haven't seen that with Cristiano Ronaldo.

"With him, the next morning is an opportunity to become better and win again. This is unique. I cannot explain it.