Rasmus Hojlund denies disrespecting Cristiano Ronaldo after copying 'siu' celebration in Denmark win: 'It's for my idol'

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Cristiano Ronaldo could only watch on as Rasmus Hojlund copied his famous 'Siu' celebration after scoring the winner for Denmark in their UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg against Portugal in Copenhagen. The Manchester United striker found the net in the second half to record the only goal of the game and give the Danes a 1-0 lead going into Sunday's second leg in Lisbon.

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Rasmus Hojlund has denied mocking Cristiano Ronaldo by performing his iconic ‘Siu’ celebration in front of him after scoring the winner for Denmark against Ronaldo’s Portugal.

The Danes came out 1-0 winners in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final in Copenhagen.

Hojlund finished off a slick Danish move from close range before imitating Ronaldo’s celebration, which sees him jump in the air, spin and land with his arms outstretched.

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The Portuguese star could only watch on as Hojlund took the acclaim of the home fans at Parken Stadium.

Speaking to Danish broadcaster TV2 after the match, the Manchester United forward said: "It's for my idol.

"It wasn't to mock him or anything. He's had such a huge impact on me and my football career. Maybe it's a bit ambivalent, but to score against him and Portugal, it's huge.

"I remember him scoring from a free kick in 2011 when I went to watch the match, and since then I've been a huge Cristiano fan."

After a difficult season so far, there are suggestions he could leave Old Trafford this summer.

However, there are signs of recovery for Hojlund with his winner for Denmark his second goal in two games, having netted for United in the Premier League against Leicester last weekend.

He had not scored in 21 appearances prior to his goal at King Power Stadium.

While it was a night to remember for Hojlund, his club captain Bruno Fernandes was left frustrated with Portugal’s performance.

"We weren't surprised, we knew they were aggressive and that they would come out strong," he said following the match.

"We lacked aggression and we needed to be stronger in the duels, more intelligent in taking advantage of the depth.

"We have a difficult game ahead of us [the second leg] but we really want to win, and at home with our fans we are sure that we'll be able to turn the game around."

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