Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund wasted no time getting on the scoresheet for Denmark but what he did straight after stirred up controversy.
On deadline day, Rasmus Hojlund agreed to join Napoli on loan, and the 22-year-old may well have played his final game for Manchester United as the move will become permanent if the Serie A side qualifies for the Champions League this season.
Hojlund wanted to stay at United and compete with Benjamin Sesko for a starting spot, but he was left out of matchday squads by Ruben Amorim and essentially nudged to the exit door.
Now, Hojlund will want to prove himself at Napoli and before even playing for his new club he has made a strong impact on the international stage.
Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring for Denmark against Greece.
Photo by Milos Bicanski – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Rasmus Hojlund goal celebration criticised in Denmark vs Greece
On Monday evening, Hojlund scored in Denmark’s 3-0 win over Greece after coming off the bench and combining with former United teammate Patrick Dorgu.
While Danish media praised Hojlund’s performance, he has also attracted criticism for his goal celebration in Greece.
United fans would have hoped to see it much more, but Hojlund’s recent goal celebration has been inspired from the film Gladiator.
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However, when performed on Monday night, it didn’t go down well at all with the home Greece fans.
Danish outlet Bold wrote: “It went completely wrong when Rasmus Hojlund cheered down at the incarnate Greek fans, after which missiles flew down at the Danish players. Unnecessary by Hojlund and an ugly response from the hosts’ supporters.”
Rasmus Hojlund defends his goal celebration for Denmark
Hojlund scored Denmark’s third and final goal of the match which essentially ended Greece’s hope of getting anything from the game.
While United fans are familiar with his celebration, it did not go down well with Greek fans. But after the full-time whistle, Hojlund was quick to defend his actions.
As per Bold, Hojlund said: “It’s always nice. It’s what I live for. It’s just my celebration scene, I always do the gladiator.”
READ MORE: Denmark boss gives view on whether Rasmus Hojlund was better signing for Napoli or staying at Man Utd
The Greece clash was Denmark’s final game of the international break, meaning Hojlund can now return to Naples and finally settle into his new surroundings.
Napoli return to Serie A action on September 13 and then Hojlund will return to Manchester for a Champions League clash against Manchester City.