Ronaldo forgives Hojlund following "Siu" celebration

Rasmus Hojlund's "Siu" celebration vs. Portugal sparks debate, but Ronaldo dismisses controversy ahead of the Nations League second leg.

Rasmus Hojlund hits the Siu celebration right in front of Cristiano Ronaldo, an action the former Manchester United player describes as normal. (Photo credit: ESPN)

Rasmus Hojlund hit the Cristiano Ronaldo “siu celebration” after scoring the only goal of the game in a Nations’ League quarter-final clash against Portugal on Thursday, sparking talks among fans that it was a dig at Cristiano Ronaldo.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar has denied any ill-feeling, saying it’s normal for young players to celebrate like him, and he has thrown his weight behind the embattled striker who can’t seem to find the back of the net for United.

After scoring against Portugal, Hojlund raced to the corner flag and did the Siu celebration with the man famed for the celebration watching on from the Portuguese side on the pitch; Hojlund quickly cleared the air after the game, saying Ronaldo is his idol.

Speaking ahead of the second leg in Lisbon on Sunday, Ronaldo shrugged off any ill-feeling towards the youngster. "No problem; for me, it's not a problem," he 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 he but also other sportspeople around the world 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 his side was poor in the first leg, but the Al Nassr man believes Portugal can turn the result around in the second leg and book their place in the semifinal of the Nations ’League, which represents a huge opportunity for him to win a trophy before he retires.

"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. Portugal have it all to do to advance as they carry the 1-0 deficit into the second leg on Sunday.

"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."