Sunday 23 March 2025 10:30
Rasmus Hojlund’s imitation of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siuu’ celebration has stirred plenty of discussion – but what did the legendary former Red himself think of it?
Our no.9 pulled off the celebration after stepping off the bench to score a 78th-minute winner for Denmark against Portugal in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final.
Speaking ahead of the second leg in Lisbon tonight (Sunday), Cristiano has told reporters that he believes the 22-year-old striker copying his famous pose “wasn’t an act of disrespect”.
The 40-year-old said: “For me, it’s not a problem. I know it wasn’t an act of disrespect. I’m smart enough to realise that.
“Not only him, all over the world, several athletes celebrate me. For me, it’s an honour, but I hope he can see my celebration tomorrow [Sunday].”
After Thursday’s game, Rasmus was keen to point out that it was very much a mark of respect to a player he admired so much growing up.
“It’s for my idol,” he told broadcaster TV2. “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.”
As was the case in the first leg, there could be five Reds taking to the field when the tie concludes tonight (Sunday) in the Portuguese capital.
Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot should feature for Portugal, while Hojlund could be joined by his Reds team-mates Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Christian Eriksen in the Denmark ranks. Kick-off is at 19:45 GMT – good luck, lads!
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Sunday 23 March 2025 10:30
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