Rasmus Hojlund scored the only goal of the game as Denmark beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the UEFA Nations League, with the Manchester United striker copying the legend’s iconic celebration
Cristiano Ronaldo was left watching on as Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund performed his iconic ‘SIU’ celebration after scoring a winning goal.
Hojlund netted the game’s only goal for Denmark in their UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg against Ronaldo’s Portugal. The 22-year-old striker then compounded Portugal’s woes as he mimicked the ex-United star’s signature celebration.
The Dane had been on a three-month goal drought before breaking his duck for United against Leicester City last weekend. He’s now found the back of the net twice in two matches, reaching Andreas Skov Olsen’s pass and slotting home with his right foot in the 78th minute.
Ronaldo led the line for Portugal and was still on the pitch when Hojlund celebrated his goal with the ‘SIU’ move, much to the delight of some Danish fans. His goal turned out to be vital as Denmark held on to secure a slender second leg advantage.
Ahead of the match, Hojlund had praised Ronaldo as one of his idols. But while his celebration may have been intended as a tribute, the 40-year-old didn’t seem too impressed as he watched his rival’s copycat move with hands on hips.
Fans online mocked Ronaldo after the incident and accused Hojlund of trolling the legendary forward. One fan said: “Even Hojlund is trolling him.” Another added: “Rasmus Hojlund trolling Christiano Ronaldo is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. Rasmus Hojlund is a Championship player at best.”
However, Hojlund told Danish outlet DR it was a tribute. He said: “Now, I’m not going to exaggerate, but Cristiano is everything to me. I fell in love with football because of Cristiano, I became a Manchester United fan because of Cristiano.
“I started self-training because of Cristiano, I started doing push-ups and sit-ups every day before I went to bed because of Cristiano, because I wanted to be Cristiano.”
Hojlund added: “My father introduced me when I was not so young. He introduced me to Cristiano Ronaldo, and wanted me to idolise him because he has a good mentality. That’s the reason he achieved so much in his career and for me is the best player ever. He had the talent but it’s how hard he worked.
“I’ve seen a few interviews with ex-Manchester United players and they all said he wasn’t a complete footballer when he came. He was skilful, but he developed.”
Hojlund later took to Instagram, posting a picture of the celebration, with the caption: “The seven-year-old fan in me might’ve gotten the overhand after I scored.”