Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr are in action for Portugal and Denmark in Libson on Sunday
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Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo (Image: Getty Images)
Despite Rasmus Hojlund's controversial 'Siu' celebration, there appeared to be no issue between the Manchester United forward and Cristiano Ronaldo before Sunday's Nations League quarter-final second leg.
Hojlund caused a stir when he mimicked Ronaldo's famous celebration after scoring the winner for Denmark against Portugal on Thursday. The 22-year-old found the net in the 78th minute, slotting into the bottom corner to give Denmark a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Parken.
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Speaking after the game, Hojlund insisted that he was not mocking the player he considered as his "idol" and "the world's best footballer". Ronaldo, meanwhile, said he doesn't have an issue with the current United man. Ronaldo said of the incident: "It's no problem, for me it's not a problem.
"I knew it's not because he does not have respect for me, of course not. I'm smart enough to understand that not only him, but around the world other sportspeople use my celebration. For me it's an honour. But I hope tomorrow [tonight] he can see my celebration."
Now, Hojlund and Ronaldo have met for the first time since the controversial incident - and ended any debate that there is a feud between them both. After the national anthems took place inside Estadio Jose Alvalade, the players, including Hojlund and Ronaldo, shook hands with no problems present.
Ronaldo didn't look annoyed with Hojlund, as both players instead seemed focused on the task at hand: progressing through to the Nations League semi-final. Shortly after, the game got underway.
Less than five minutes in, Ronaldo had the chance to give Portugal the lead from the penalty spot and perform his iconic 'Siu' celebration himself. However, the 40-year-old squandered the opportunity and his effort was kept out by Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who dived the right way and kept it out.
Hojlund himself also publicly spoke about his celebration following his goal in the first leg. He said: "I’m playing against the world’s best footballer, my idol, and to score a goal and win the match... it couldn’t be better."
"It’s for my idol. It’s not like I’m mocking him or anything. I’ve just always said that he has a lot of importance to me and my football career.
"It’s maybe a bit ambivalent, but scoring against him and Portugal is huge. I was there and saw him in 2009 when he scored from a free kick and I’ve been a fan ever since."
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