The contrast between Real Madrid’s spectacular Bernabéu stadium and the modest but quiet and comfortable corner of Chelmsford in which Jimmy Greaves lives could hardly be greater.

Yet only a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick on Wednesday night against Las Palmas now stands between them sharing a moment in football history that underlines just how truly exceptional – and perhaps also underappreciated – Greaves has been to our national sport.

Not that Greaves would ever grumble and, despite a devastating stroke two years ago that has left him unable to walk and limited in communication, he has still conveyed a message of goodwill. “Records are there to be broken and, if Ronaldo gets there this week, I would like to congratulate him and wish him all the best,” said Greaves on Tuesday.

The record in question is not simply some English or British milestone – Greaves still remains footballing light years clear of any domestic rival – but rather the all-time landmark of goals scored in the big five European leagues.

Greaves has been on top of the pile now for almost 50 years but, having seen the likes of Gerd Müller, Raul, Thierry Henry and the Brazilian Ronaldo come and go, it is the Portuguese version who will surely now succeed him.