Denmark's Rasmus Højlund explained that he celebrated his goal against Portugal in Cristiano Ronaldo's style because Ronaldo is his idol and is currently going through a difficult period.
Rasmus Højlund
Club: Napoli
Cristiano Ronaldo
Club: Al Nassr
Højlund scored a goal against Portugal during the match they played in the third round of the UEFA Nations League group stage, celebrating in Ronaldo's famous manner.
Højlund said in comments reported by the Italian newspaper "La Gazzetta dello Sport": "I did not hesitate for a moment to celebrate my goal against Portugal in Cristiano Ronaldo's style. I wanted him to know that there are still players inspired by everything he has achieved in his career. He has given so much to football, and I have nothing but respect and appreciation for him."
He added, "Perhaps one day after my career ends, I will look back and realize how lucky I was to play in the same era as my idol."
He continued, "Watching Ronaldo play was a huge part of my passion for football. When you see players like him, you dream of reaching that level someday."
He concluded, "All I hope is that he knows his legacy is far greater than any difficult period he may be going through."
The crisis began with the match between Portugal and Norway in the second round of Group 4 in the UEFA Nations League, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Portugal when Ronaldo did not participate in the game.
Portugal's captain did not train with the national team in recent sessions, and Jesus spoke at the press conference before the Denmark match criticizing Cristiano Ronaldo. The player then left the national team camp after an agreement with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation.
The Portuguese newspaper "O Jogo" revealed that the player decided not to return to represent the Portuguese national team again, preferring to retire from international duty.
Cristiano Ronaldo has played 234 matches for the Portuguese national team, scoring 146 goals and providing 45 assists.
With the Portuguese national team, he won the European Championship once and the UEFA Nations League twice.
The Portuguese national team tops Group 4 with 9 points from three wins, having a perfect record.
