Cristiano Ronaldo has responded positively to Rasmus Hojlund's imitation of his famous "Siu" celebration during their UEFA Nations League clash. The Danish forward celebrated his winning goal against Portugal by leaping into the air in his version of Ronaldo's iconic move. Ronaldo expressed his appreciation after Hojlund imitated his trademark celebration. He recognized that the greeting was born of reverence and not derision.
Portugal will be looking to make up a deficit in the return leg on home soil. Ronaldo has acknowledged the burdening pressure that lies on the team’s shoulders. Ronaldo made a sincere public self-analysis and was unhappy with his display in the first leg. He’s still clear that the passionate home support at Alvalade Stadium will be critical to help turn this tie around. Never before this bad — and never lost in the first leg of a home-and-home tilt — and hellbent to put the streak down on paper.
Ronaldo's Perspective on the Celebration
Ronaldo went on to calmly and clearly explain why the circumstances surrounding Hojlund’s celebration were worthy of attention. He continued to underline that he didn’t feel any disrespect in Hojlund’s behaviour.
“I knew that this was not because he did not have respect for me.”
Ronaldo was completely unabashed about the overwhelming popularity of his celebration. He mentioned how athletes from various other sports have adopted it as their sport.
“I’m smart enough to understand that not only him but around the world people from other sports also do my celebration,”
As Portugal prepares for the decisive Group Stage match, Ronaldo remains optimistic for a good result. He doubled down on his own commitment to the team’s success.
“Tomorrow I want to leave the Alvalade Stadium with my head held high. If I score, I’ll be happy, but if I don’t score, let someone else score, what I want is for Portugal to win.”
Pressure and Confidence Ahead of Second Leg
There is no escaping the atmosphere as Portugal head into preparatory mode, with Cristiano Ronaldo admitting that this is it.
“The air is more tense. I’m not hiding it. We’re in a tense moment because we need to win, but that’s the beautiful thing about football,”
Amid all the pressure, Ronaldo’s urged the supporters to get behind the team as they look to secure their place in the final.
“Tomorrow, I’m calling on the fans to be with us. Let them give us their strength, because we’re going to try to do our best.”
Ronaldo's confidence remains unshaken as he believes in the team's ability to unite and progress to the semifinals.
Reflections on First Leg Performance
In reflecting on Portugal's performance in the first leg, Ronaldo was candid about both his and the team's shortcomings.
“I’ve lost games in 90 minutes, but I’ve never lost in the first leg. There are games like that, there are bad days. I didn’t play at all the other day, the team didn’t play at all, but it’s part of life.”
At the same time, Hojlund took responsibility for his own lackluster output in addition to scoring the match-winning goal. He conceded to Denmark’s TV2 that he and his team were terrible in the first leg. Hojlund signaled through his celebratory gesture that he did not come to mock.
