Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed that he has no issue with Denmark’s Rasmus Hojlund emulating his iconic “siu” celebration. After Hojlund scored the decisive goal in Denmark’s 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Nations League quarter-final first leg, the young Manchester United striker insisted he was not mocking Ronaldo, whom he regards as his idol.
The Portuguese captain, now 40, dismissed any notion of disrespect, saying, “For me, it is not a problem. I’m intelligent enough to understand that athletes worldwide, not just Hojlund, mimic my celebration. I see it as an honour.”
Looking ahead to the second leg in Lisbon, Ronaldo added with a smile, “But I hope tomorrow it’s my celebration you’ll see, not his.”
Ronaldo Backs Martinez Amid Criticism
Following Portugal’s disappointing first-leg performance, pressure has mounted on coach Roberto Martinez. However, Ronaldo was quick to defend the Spanish manager, calling the criticism unfair.
“We’re all in this together. We lost the match and didn’t perform well, but we have a second opportunity,” he stated. “There’s no point in blaming the coach. The focus should be on positivity and believing in a strong comeback.”
The veteran forward acknowledged the heightened tension surrounding the Portuguese squad but emphasized the importance of composure. “It’s natural for the atmosphere to feel tense after a loss. But we must stay calm and concentrate on making things right in Lisbon,” Ronaldo concluded.
Hojlund Clarifies Celebration Intentions
After Denmark’s narrow win, Hojlund clarified his celebration choice, asserting that it was not intended as a taunt. The striker, who has often expressed admiration for Ronaldo, reiterated his respect for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo’s mature response to the situation further exemplifies his leadership and experience. With the second leg approaching, all eyes will be on whether the Portuguese star gets his wish to celebrate in front of the home crowd.
