The Portuguese made history in Sunday’s clash against England at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qualifier Jesolo 2016
Portugal captain Madjer underlined his undoubted status as a true beach soccer icon on Sunday as he reached 1,000 goals for the national team.
The two-time FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup winner brought up his landmark achievement with a trademark fierce penalty in the Euro Beach Soccer League contest with England.
Madjer, 39, has a host of team honours from his 18-year career with the national side, including 11 European titles as well as four Mundialito crowns and now has the honour of becoming the first player in our sport to reach 1,000 international goals.
After opening his account for the tournament against Moldova, the Portugal legend found the net again on Sunday, this time in historic fashion, against the English and was presented with a framed, personalised national shirt while team-mates, opponents and fans in the stadium took a moment to applaud the achievement.
“It has been an amazing moment, something historic. I felt so happy. But not only for me but for everyone tht has helped me to achieve this number. It would have never been possible without them. I want to dedicate it to all the people that I have always by my side, and specially my family and my son and daughter, with who I cannot spend time enough… When you achieve such important things, you feel that all your efforts are rewarded, and they fee it as well…“, Madjer explained.
Now, the Portuguese magician does not want to think about other numbers… “My only objective now is to qualify with Portugal for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017. If it is with goals, the better, but most important is to get there“.
“It’s been 1000 goals, 1000 moments of glory for him and his people. And it has been very well deserved… he is as good as a person as he is as a human being”, said an emotional Mario Narciso, National Coach of Portugal.
Having been an integral part of Portugal’s success in recent years, Madjer’s focus swiftly returned to the sand, as he seeks to guide the world champions to next year’s World Cup in the Bahamas.
