In this file photo, Iran's Persepolis head coach Ali Daei attends his team's 2011 AFC Champions League group C football match against United Arab Emirate's Al-Wahda club in Tehran. (PHOTO / AFP)

Former Iran striker Ali Daei has said he would be honored to see Cristiano Ronaldo break his record for the most goals in international soccer as the Portugal forward moves closer to his tally of 109.

Ronaldo, the only other centurion in the men’s international arena, has scored 102 goals in 168 appearances since his debut in 2003.

Ronaldo will have a chance to close the gap when Portugal play Croatia in their final Nations League group stage match on Tuesday

ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo, his Juventus teammates get their salaries cut

“I would congratulate him directly,” Daei was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency. “Ronaldo has scored 102 goals with Portugal so far and will beat my record, I’m sure, but he still has seven goals to go.

“It would be a real honour for me if a player of his calibre could beat my record. Ronaldo is one of the best players not only of this era, but ever. He’s an absolute phenomenon.”

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo tests positive for COVID-19

Daei, who captained Iran and retired in 2006, reached his mark in 148 appearances.

Ronaldo will have a chance to close the gap when Portugal play Croatia in their final Nations League group stage match on Tuesday.