Portugal captain hopes to point out 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 grasp that not solely him however world wide individuals 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 nice with me.”
Hojlund scored the successful aim in opposition to 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 attempting 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 fully frozen out on the different finish on a irritating evening.
“I’m enjoying in opposition to the world’s greatest 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 in opposition to 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 must be nervous’
In the meantime, Ronaldo acknowledged the stress surrounding Portugal as they give the impression of being to overturn the deficit.
The Al-Nassr striker was extremely essential of himself and his crew’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 attractive 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 energy, 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 unhealthy days. I didn’t play in any respect the opposite day, the crew didn’t play in any respect, however it’s a part of life.
“Tomorrow I wish to go away the Alvalade Stadium with my head held excessive. If I rating, I’ll be blissful, but when I don’t rating, let another person rating, what I need is for Portugal to win.”
Ronaldo denied any lack of perspective within the crew and was assured they might unite and progress to the semifinals.
“There’s at all times perspective within the nationwide crew. Technical features, after all, however different issues had been missing too. That’s soccer, you possibly can’t at all times play nicely,” he stated.
“There’s no must 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 vitality, I’m certain we’ll get an amazing end result tomorrow.
“We misplaced the sport and performed badly, however we’ve got the second leg tomorrow. Relax. Assume optimistic and suppose that issues will go nicely.”
