Rasmus Hojlund makes his point about Cristiano Ronaldo with two huge statements

Former Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund scored for Denmark against Portugal before dedicating his goal to his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, who earlier in the day had left the Portuguese camp amid acrimony.

Hojlund produced a deft chip to make it 2-2 in the 53rd minute and copied Ronaldo’s famous celebration, although Portugal recovered to win the Nations League encounter 4-2.

Ronaldo’s sudden Portugal camp departure

Hojlund’s tribute came after Ronaldo left the Portugal camp following a meeting with head coach Jorge Jesus and the Portuguese Football Federation.

The trouble started when Jesus left the veteran forward on the bench throughout Portugal’s match against Norway.

Ronaldo then did not attend the subsequent training session and departed after holding talks with Jesus and the federation, promising that “in time, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team”. Those events provided the context for Hojlund’s public show of support.

Hojlund explains his Ronaldo celebration

TuttoMercatoWeb reports that Hojlund played the entire match and briefly restored parity with his eye-catching finish.

Portugal regained control during the second half, however, with goals from Vitinha and Joao Felix completing their 4-2 victory.

After the final whistle, Hojlund said: “I am happy to have had the opportunity to score today, although I am sad that we were unable to win. I just wanted to dedicate my goal to my idol, Cristiano, for everything he is going through at this point in his career.”

The striker added: “Growing up, watching Cristiano was a huge part of my love for football. You see players like him and dream of one day reaching that level.”

There was also a more contentious moment after the match. Hojlund was filmed appearing to snub Jesus during the post-match handshakes before pushing the Portugal coach as he moved past him.

Rasmus Hojlund’s international scoring record

Hojlund is now flourishing as a Napoli striker after a disappointing spell with United.

The goal against Portugal was his second in three Nations League appearances and his 15th for Denmark.

The Dane made clear that the gesture reflected a long-standing admiration rather than being a jibe at the expense of the opposition. He said Ronaldo had created a name that “will never be forgotten in the history of this sport”.

Hojlund’s goal was not enough to earn Denmark a result, but his celebration and comments ensured that the former United forward remained at the centre of the post-match discussion.

Final Thoughts

• Hojlund scored Denmark’s temporary equaliser with a 53rd-minute chip.
• Portugal recovered to secure a 4-2 Nations League victory.
• The striker dedicated his goal and Ronaldo-style celebration to his idol.
• Hojlund also appeared to push Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus after refusing to shake his hand.

Featured image Marco M. Mantovani via Getty Images