Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to watch on as Rasmus Hojlund performed his trademark 'Siuuuu' celebration after scoring Denmark's winning goal against Portugal on Thursday night
Comments
Sport
Rasmus Hojlund of Denmark celebrates
Cristiano Ronaldo had to watch Rasmus Hojlund use his celebration(Image: Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)
Rasmus Hojlund says he was paying tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, not mocking him, by performing his iconic celebration. Hojlund opted to use Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’ celebration after scoring for Denmark against Portugal on Thursday night.
The Manchester United striker came off the bench to score the winner in Denmark’s 1-0 victory in Copenhagen. His strike in the 78th minute gives his side the edge following the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final, despite Christian Eriksen seeing his first-half penalty saved by Diogo Costa.
Hojlund’s decision to jump into the air and spin around 180 degrees with his arms out in a copy of Ronaldo’s celebration drew some criticism on social media. Some fans felt the 22-year-old was being disrespectful to the veteran, who was also on the pitch.
But speaking post-match, Hojlund moved to clarify things and reaffirm his respect for the Portugal legend. “It's for my idol,” he told Danish broadcaster TV2 when asked about the celebration. "It wasn't to mock him or anything.
“He's had such a huge impact on me and my football career. Maybe it's a bit ambivalent, but to score against him and Portugal, it's huge. I remember him scoring from a free kick in 2011 when I went to watch the match, and since then I've been a huge Cristiano fan.”
READ MORE: Man Utd set Rasmus Hojlund price tag after rival makes transfer approachREAD MORE: Man Utd 'to meet Jarrad Branthwaite valuation' but defender has condition for move
He added: “It was fantastic, it was a great day in many ways. I played against my idol and scored and was the match winner. It couldn't have been written much better."
Hojlund was unmarked and had the simple task of tucking a low cross into the bottom corner to make the breakthrough. It was a timely goal for the forward, who has struggled for form with United, having gone 21 games without a goal until the 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday.
Hojlund never got the chance to play alongside Ronaldo at United, having joined the club from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, half a year after the veteran left for Saudi Arabia under a cloud. However, the young Dane has been vocal in his respect for the former United star, having grown up watching him play.
Rasmus Hojlund of Denmark
Rasmus Hojlund opted for the 'Siuuuu' celebration after scoring for Denmark vs Portugal
"Cristiano has always been like my idol growing up. I always thought he was the best football player in the world and I just tried to learn from him," he told TeamViewer Diaries in November 2023.
"He is the greatest goalscorer ever, probably as well. I've always looked at him back in the day where he was more of a dribbler and now he's a proper, proper goalscorer. You know he had proper talent, but he worked hard to be the best ever and I like that about him.”
Hojlund has just three goals in 24 matches in the Premier League this season, but has been more productive in the Europa League, where he has five goals in 10 games. Although he's under contract with United until June 2028, there are rumours emerging that he could be sold this summer, with Napoli showing an interest.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.