Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo says he was honoured by Rasmus Hojlund imitating his iconic ‘siu’ goal celebration during the UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg with Denmark, Afrosport reports.
Hojlund scored the only goal at Parken as the Danes got the early advantage over a star-studded Portuguese side.
In celebrating the goal, Hojlund imitated Ronaldo’s trademark celebration with the 40-year-old watching from distance.
Some fans of the former Real Madrid forward found Hojlund’s imitation disrespectful but Ronaldo had no problem with it and hopes he can do it for Portugal in Sunday’s return leg in Lisbon.
“It’s no problem for me. I know it wasn’t out of disrespect. It is not only him who makes my jubilant scene around the world,” the Al Nassr forward said.
“I’m smart enough to understand that. For me it is an honor. I hope to do it in front of him [on Sunday]. It will be good. I’m glad he likes my cheering scene. It will be another match. Denmark was far better than us on Thursday, but we have put it behind us and looking forward to another match.”
Ready for some huge #NationsLeague matches
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Hojlund in response to criticism of the celebration, stated he did it in respect for his idol.
“It’s for my idol. It wasn’t because I wanted to mock him or anything,” the Man United forward said. “He has been so important to me and my football career. It might be a bit ambivalent, but to score against him and Portugal, that’s huge.
“I remember him scoring a free kick in 2009, when I was in the stadium to watch the match, and since then I have been a huge Cristiano fan.”
After going almost almost three months without a goal involvement, Hojlund now has three goal involvements (two goals and one assist) in as many games for club and country.
