Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted he has "no problem" with Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund copying his famous "SIUUU" celebration during Denmark's 1-0 victory over Portugal in their Nations League quarter-final first leg.
The 40-year-old Portugal captain addressed the celebration ahead of Sunday's return fixture in Lisbon.
Hojlund performed Ronaldo's signature move after scoring the winning goal for Denmark on Thursday evening.
The celebration sparked discussion, with some saying that the United striker was mocking the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, but Ronaldo has now made it clear he took no offence.
Rasmus Hojlund stole Cristiano Ronaldo's goal celebration as Denmark stunned Portugal in their Nations League clashGETTY"For me, it is not a problem," Ronaldo said before Sunday's second leg. "I know it wasn't out of disrespect."
"I'm smart enough to understand that not only him, but around the world, other sportspeople do it, my celebration."
"For me, it's an honour. But I hope that tomorrow you can see my celebration, not that I still see his celebration," the Al-Nassr forward added.
Ronaldo made it clear he hopes to be the one celebrating in the return fixture.
Hojlund explained his celebration was a tribute to his idol rather than mockery.
"It's for my idol. It wasn't because I wanted to mock him or anything. He has been so important to me and my football career," Hojlund said after Thursday's match.
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The Manchester United forward revealed his long-standing admiration for Ronaldo.
"I fell in love with football because of Cristiano. I became a Manchester United fan because of Cristiano," he told Danish media.
"I remember him scoring a free kick in 2009, when I was in the stadium, and since then I have been a huge Cristiano fan."
Denmark will face Portugal in the return leg of their Nations League quarter-final on Sunday evening in Lisbon.
Portugal are looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit after their disappointing performance in Copenhagen.
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Cristiano Ronaldo insisted he had no problem with Rasmus Hojlund copying his celebration
Reuters
The first leg saw Hojlund score the decisive goal that gave Denmark the advantage in the tie.
Ronaldo acknowledged that Denmark were "far better" than Portugal in the first match.
"We have put it behind us and looking forward to another match," the Portuguese star said ahead of the crucial second leg.
Ronaldo defended Portugal coach Roberto Martinez amid criticism following the first leg defeat.
Rasmus Hojlund insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is his idol and he was not mocking him
Reuters
"I think it's unfair to criticise the coach, because we're all in the same boat," he said.
The former Real Madrid star remained optimistic about turning the tie around.
"I have lost games in 90 minutes, but I have never lost in the first half. Tomorrow is the second half," Ronaldo stated.
"There are games like that, there are bad days. I didn't play at all, the team didn't play at all, but it's part of life."
