Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has responded to Denmark forward Rasmus Højlund imitating his goal celebration during their Nations League quarter-final clash on Thursday.
The Manchester United striker came off the bench to score in the 78th minute, securing a 1-0 victory for Denmark. After finding the net, Højlund ran towards the corner and performed Ronaldo’s trademark celebration, with the Portuguese star watching on.
Speaking to the press ahead of the return leg on Sunday, Ronaldo said, “Højlund doing my celebration is not a problem. I know it wasn’t out of disrespect.
“I understand that not only him, but in all sports, there are people who celebrate like me. I hope that tomorrow he’ll be the one watching me celebrate.”
Højlund had earlier clarified that his use of Ronaldo’s celebration was not intended as mockery.
“It’s for my idol,” Højlund told Danish broadcaster TV2 after the match.
“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 is 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.”