‘It was for my idol’ – Rasmus Hojlund after performing Cristiano Ronaldo celebration following winner against Portugal | OneFootball

Rasmus Hojlund denied he was mocking Cristiano Ronaldo and says his decision to perform his iconic celebration after scoring against Portugal was a show of respect.

Manchester United forward Hojlund scored the only goal of the game in the 78th minute as Denmark beat Portugal 1-0 in the Nations League.

And afterwards, he celebrated with Ronaldo’s trademark celebration while the Portuguese legend watched on.

Explaining why he did it, Hojlund paid tribute to former Man Utd forward Ronaldo and says it was a nod to his legacy.

“It’s for my idol,” Højlund told Danish broadcaster TV2 after the game. “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.”

Hojlund’s winner came after his Manchester United and Danish team-mate Christian Eriksen missed a penalty in the first half.

United duo Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot also lined up against their club team-mates for Portugal, with another United star in Patrick Dorgu also coming on as a substitute late on for Denmark.

After the defeat, Portugal boss Roberto Martinez did not hold back when assessing his side’s performance.

“I think it’s the worst game we’ve played in a very long time,” he said.

“It was a fantastic backdrop in the Park. Denmark was just better than us in all areas. Denmark played as we expected because we allowed it.

“We lacked rhythm and were unable to control the ball. We have a lot to improve.

“The Danish players were constantly above us. They were aggressive and didn’t allow us anything. Physically, we couldn’t keep up.

“We must have rhythm and intensity on Sunday. Because what we delivered was not at all at the level I expect us to be able to perform at.”