Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund pulled off Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark “Siuuu” celebration after netting the decisive goal against Portugal in a Nations League quarter-final clash on Thursday. However, he later clarified that the gesture was not meant to mock his “idol.”
The Manchester United forward struck in the 78th minute, securing Denmark a 1-0 first-leg victory over Ronaldo’s Portugal. Meanwhile, the 40-year-old veteran endured a frustrating night, struggling to make an impact.
Introduced as a substitute, Hojlund calmly slotted home the winning goal before mimicking the iconic celebration of former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo.
“I’m playing against the world’s best footballer, my idol, and to score and become the (match) winner, it couldn’t be better,” Hojlund told Denmark’s TV2.
“It was not to mock him or anything, I’ve always said he has had great importance for me and my football career.
“Scoring against him and Portugal is huge, I went to see him in 2009, where he scored from a free kick, and I’ve been a fan ever since.”
Hojlund has previously expressed how he “fell in love” with football and Manchester United because of Ronaldo, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
The Denmark forward ended a goal drought for his club by scoring in Manchester United’s win over Leicester City last weekend before following it up with the winner against Portugal.