Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted positively to Rasmus Højlund’s imitation of his famous “Siu” celebration during their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal clash, calling it an honor. Ronaldo made it clear that he didn’t take offense, understanding that the celebration wasn’t meant to disrespect him. He acknowledged that people from all sports have adopted his iconic celebration and saw it as a form of flattery. Ronaldo also shared that he would be happy if someone else scores for Portugal in the upcoming second leg, emphasizing his focus on the team’s success rather than individual achievement.
Højlund, who scored the only goal in Denmark’s 1-0 victory in the first leg, explained that he wasn’t mocking his idol, Ronaldo. The young striker expressed immense respect for the Portuguese legend, noting how Ronaldo had been an inspiration throughout his career. Højlund reflected on a moment from 2009 when he saw Ronaldo score a free kick, further solidifying his admiration for the forward.
Looking ahead to the second leg, Ronaldo acknowledged the pressure on Portugal to overturn the deficit, but he remained confident in his team’s ability to bounce back. Despite the frustration of the first leg, where he felt the team didn’t perform well, Ronaldo urged the home crowd to support the team at Alvalade Stadium, emphasizing the importance of staying positive and united as they fight for a place in the semifinals.