Portugal captain hopes to indicate Hojlund and Denmark his celebration as either side meet within the Nations League quarters.
Cristiano Ronaldo has responded to Rasmus Hojlund’s imitation of his well-known “Siu” celebration, saying it was an honour to see the Denmark striker mimic it throughout their UEFA Nations League conflict.
“For me, it was not an issue,” Ronaldo stated on Saturday, earlier than the second leg of their quarterfinal.
“I knew that this was not as a result of he didn’t have respect for me.
“I’m good sufficient to know that not solely him however all over the world folks from different sports activities additionally do my celebration,” the Portuguese star advised reporters earlier than the conflict on Sunday.
“For me, it’s an honour.
“However [on Sunday] I hope that he can see my celebration. It’s OK for me. If I rating, it’s good for me, but when I don’t rating and another person scores, that’s superb with me.”
Hojlund scored the profitable purpose towards Portugal within the first leg of their quarterfinal on Thursday and leapt up within the air for his personal model of the “Siu” celebration however stated he was not making an attempt to make enjoyable of his “idol”.
The Manchester United ahead’s 78th-minute strike earned Denmark a 1-0 first-leg win over Ronaldo’s Portugal, with the 40-year-old veteran striker utterly frozen out on the different finish on a irritating night time.
“I’m taking part in towards the world’s finest footballer, my idol, and to attain and grow to be the [match] winner, it couldn’t be higher,” Hojlund advised Denmark’s TV2.
“It was to not mock him or something, I’ve at all times stated he has had nice significance for me and my soccer profession.
“Scoring towards him and Portugal is big, I went to see him in 2009, the place he scored from a free kick, and I’ve been a fan ever since.”
‘No have to be nervous’
In the meantime, Ronaldo acknowledged the strain surrounding Portugal as they appear to overturn the deficit.
The Al-Nassr striker was extremely important of himself and his group’s efficiency within the first leg in Copenhagen however he’s assured the house crowd can play a key position in turning the tie round.
“The air is extra tense. I’m not hiding it. We’re in a tense second as a result of we have to win, however that’s the gorgeous factor about soccer,” Ronaldo advised reporters on Saturday.
“Tomorrow, I’m calling on the followers to be with us. Allow them to give us their power, as a result of we’re going to attempt to do our greatest.
“I’ve misplaced video games in 90 minutes, however I’ve by no means misplaced within the first leg. There are video games like that, there are dangerous days. I didn’t play in any respect the opposite day, the group didn’t play in any respect, but it surely’s a part of life.
“Tomorrow I need to go away the Alvalade Stadium with my head held excessive. If I rating, I’ll be pleased, but when I don’t rating, let another person rating, what I need is for Portugal to win.”
Ronaldo denied any lack of angle within the group and was assured they may unite and progress to the semifinals.
“There’s at all times angle within the nationwide group. Technical features, after all, however different issues have been missing too. That’s soccer, you’ll be able to’t at all times play nicely,” he stated.
“There’s no have to be nervous. The previous is the previous. I do know there are lots of people who need us to lose, but when the few who’re there are united and have good power, I’m certain we’ll get an ideal consequence tomorrow.
“We misplaced the sport and performed badly, however now we have the second leg tomorrow. Relax. Suppose optimistic and assume that issues will go nicely.”