Portugal’s veteran Cristiano Ronaldo said he had no problem after Denmark’s striker Rasmus Højlund copied his Siu celebration. In the first leg of the quarterfinal of the UEFA Nations League, the Dane scored in the 78th minute of the game and then did Ronaldo’s trademark celebration.
However, after the game, the Manchester United forward clarified that he had no intentions of mocking Ronaldo and said he has always idolized the Portuguese legend.
“No problem, for me it’s not a problem,” Ronaldo said during Portugal’s pre-game news conference. “I knew it’s not because he does not have respect for me, of course not. I’m smart enough to understand that not only him but around the world other sportspeople do my celebration. For me it’s an honour.
He then added with a smile: “But I hope tomorrow he can see my celebration.”
Ronaldo admitted they are in a tough position after losing the first leg against Denmark.
“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,” Ronaldo said.
The veteran forward is hopeful that the home crowd can help turn the tables in the second leg.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Ronaldo admitted they all have played bad games in their career but urged his teammates to make a solid comeback.
“There’s always attitude in the national team. Technical aspects, of course, but other things were lacking too. That’s football, you can’t always play well,” he said.
“The atmosphere wasn’t favourable either. I’ve played 50,000 bad games, and so has the team. Our players, who are used to playing on big stages, have also played bad games. That’s part of it.
“There’s no need to be nervous. The past is the past. I know there are a lot of people who want us to lose, but if the few who are there are united and have good energy, I’m sure we’ll get a great result tomorrow.”
The second leg will be played at Estádio José Alvalade on Sunday.
