Mar 22, 2025, 04:34 PM ET
Cristiano Ronaldo stated he has “no downside” with Rasmus Højlund acting his famed “Siu” birthday party after scoring in Denmark’s win over Portugal on Thursday.
Højlund scored the one function within the first leg in their UEFA International locations League quarterfinal in Copenhagen. After discovering the online, the Manchester United striker ran towards the nook and carried out Ronaldo’s trademark birthday party, whilst the person who made it well-known watched on.
Højlund later defined that he didn’t intend to mock Ronaldo, describing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as his “idol.”
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And talking forward of Sunday’s decisive 2nd leg between the groups in Lisbon, Ronaldo dismissed any factor between the 2.
“No downside, for me it isn’t an issue,” he stated throughout Portugal’s pre-game information convention. “I knew it isn’t as a result of he does no longer have admire for me, in fact no longer. I am sensible sufficient to take into account that no longer best him however all over the world different sportspeople do my birthday party. For me it is an honour.
He then added with a grin: “However I’m hoping day after today he can see my birthday party.”
The Al Nassr striker was once extremely vital of himself and his workforce’s efficiency within the first leg, however he’s assured the house crowd can play a key position in turning the tie round.
“The air is extra irritating. I am not hiding it. We are in a irritating second as a result of we want to win, however that is the gorgeous factor about soccer,” Ronaldo stated.
Rasmus Højlund plays the ‘Siu’ birthday party as Cristiano Ronaldo watches on. Joern Pollex – UEFA/UEFA by the use of Getty Photographs
“The next day to come, I am calling at the lovers to be with us. Allow them to give us their energy, as a result of we are going to take a look at to do our perfect.
“I have misplaced video games in 90 mins, however I have by no means misplaced within the first leg. There are video games like that, there are unhealthy days. I did not play at all of the different day, the workforce did not play in any respect, however it is a part of existence.
“The next day to come I wish to go away the Alvalade Stadium with my head held prime. If I ranking, I’m going to be at liberty, but when I do not ranking, let any person else ranking, what I need is for Portugal to win.”
Ronaldo denied any loss of perspective within the workforce and was once assured they might unite and growth to the semifinals.
“There is all the time perspective within the nationwide workforce. Technical facets, in fact, however different issues have been missing too. That is soccer, you’ll’t all the time play neatly,” he stated.
“The ambience wasn’t beneficial both. I have performed 50,000 unhealthy video games, and so has the workforce. Our avid gamers, who’re used to enjoying on large phases, have additionally performed unhealthy video games. That is a part of it.
“There is not any want to be worried. The previous is the previous. I do know there are a large number of individuals who need us to lose, but when the few who’re there are united and feature excellent power, I am certain we’re going to get an ideal consequence day after today.”
Ronaldo additionally defended trainer Roberto Martinez who has been criticised by means of some pundits and lovers.
“I feel it is unfair to criticise the trainer, as a result of we are all in the similar boat,” the 40-year-old stated.
“We misplaced the sport and performed badly, however now we have the second one leg day after today. Loosen up. Suppose sure and suppose that issues will pass neatly.”
Data from Reuters contributed to this file.
