‘It wasn’t an act of disrespect’

Cristiano Ronaldo has responded to Rasmus Hojlund’s imitation of his well-known ‘Siu’ celebration, saying it “wasn’t an act of disrespect” following Denmark’s 1-0 dwelling win over Portugal on Thursday.

The Manchester United striker copied the previous Crimson Satan’s iconic celebration after scoring a late winner in Copenhagen within the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final.

Hojlund insisted the celebration was not mocking Ronaldo, who the Dane referred to as his “idol”, and the 40-year-old stated he was not offended by the incident.

“For me, it’s not an issue,” Ronaldo stated. “I do know it wasn’t an act of disrespect. I’m sensible sufficient to grasp that.

“Not solely him, all around the world, a number of athletes have a good time me.

“For me, it’s an honour, however I hope he can see my celebration tomorrow [on Sunday].”

🚀🥅📸#FazHistória | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/lBAcLn1IJE

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) March 19, 2025

Forward of Denmark’s journey to Lisbon for the final eight second-leg on Sunday, Hojlund stated: “He’s [Ronaldo] had such a huge effect on me and my soccer profession. Possibly it’s a bit ambivalent, however to attain towards him and Portugal, it’s large.

“I bear in mind him scoring from a free kick in 2011 once I went to look at the match, and since then I’ve been an enormous Cristiano fan.”

The winners of Portugal and Denmark will face both Italy or Germany within the Nations League semi-final.

The Germans take a slender 2-1 lead again to Dortmund after targets from Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka ensured victory in Milan.