Napoli striker Rasmus Hojlund paid tribute to his idol Cristiano Ronaldo during Denmark’s 4-2 home defeat by Portugal, then appeared to push Portugal coach Jorge Jesus at full time.
Ronaldo had left Portugal’s training camp on the eve of Thursday’s match after learning he would not start. The former Juventus player had also been left out of the previous game against Norway.
Jesus defended his decision at a pre-match news conference, saying: “The rights are equal. As a manager, I decided he wouldn’t come on; it’s a non-issue.”
Ronaldo’s absence did not prevent him from becoming part of the game’s main talking points. Hojlund scored Denmark’s second goal in the second half to briefly bring the hosts level at 2-2, before celebrating with Ronaldo’s trademark ‘Siu’ routine.
The Napoli forward has long spoken of his admiration for Ronaldo and explained afterwards that the celebration was intended as a message to his hero.
“When I scored, I didn’t think twice. I wanted Cristiano to know there are still players inspired by everything he has achieved,” Hojlund said, via Gazzetta.
“He has given so much to football, and I have nothing but respect for him. Maybe, one day, when my career is over, I’ll look back and realise how lucky I was to play in the same era as my idol.
“Watching Cristiano play has been a huge part of my love for football. You see players like him and dream of reaching that level one day.”
Jesus responds to Hojlund incident
The match also intensified the debate surrounding the disagreement between Ronaldo and Jesus, with questions being raised in Portugal and elsewhere over whether the coach had disrespected the captain or whether Ronaldo had acted improperly by leaving camp.
Hojlund appeared to make his position clear at the final whistle, when he seemed to push Jesus as the players and staff left the pitch.
Asked about the Denmark striker’s celebration, Jesus played down the incident and said he did not know why Hojlund had performed Ronaldo’s famous routine.
“I don’t know what prompted him to do it. He’s still just a kid, and I have no intention of getting angry. I’m just doing my job, as always,” Jesus said.
Denmark ultimately lost 4-2 despite Hojlund’s equalising goal, while the controversy around Ronaldo’s absence and Jesus’ decision continued beyond the final whistle.