Rasmus Hojlund insists he was not disrespecting Cristiano Ronaldo by copying his Siu goal celebration when scoring for Denmark against Portugal on Thursday night. With Ronaldo absent after a fall-out with Portugal boss Jorge Jess, all eyes were on whether Jesus side could cope without their record-goalscorer but, rather than struggle, they flourished, winning 4-2 in Copenhagen.Hojlund made it 2-2 on the night with a lovely chipped finish before running away and performing Ronaldos trademark jump and turn celebration.Vitinha and Joao Felix netted in the final 25 minutes to hand Portugal the win after which there was a slightly bizarre exchange between Hojlund and Jesus. As they shook hands and patted it each other on the chest, the Napoli striker appeared to push the 72-year-old away before turning to give him an angry look.Hojlund praises Ronaldo: he is my idolAsked about the celebration afterwards, Hojlund revealed Ronaldo was a huge inspiration to him.He said: I just wanted to send a strong message to the Portuguese national team, that if they dont value Cristiano, there are many people around the world whom he has inspired and who still admire him.It was a tribute to a man who may be finished with his national team career after what has happened.I just wanted to pay tribute to him once again. It has nothing to do with lack of respect. Hes my big idol.Jesus approach pays off as Portugal sparklePortugals performance was vindication for Jesus hardline approach with the veteran striker, who walked out on the camp on Wednesday night.The squad looked liberated and performed with an attacking verve not often seen in recent months.Asked if the players are behind him, Jesus told Sport TV: Theres no reason for them not to be behind me. What matters is what we have to do. I know why you asked that question, but things happenthey dont divide the team, and they wont divide us.Portugal fly home on Friday ahead of Sundays home game with Norway in Porto.It seems unlikely the situation with Ronaldo will change before then but Jesus said it would be discussed after that game.He added: After the Drag�o match, well see what happens.Its difficult to wait until then, but the most important thing now is to think about the next match and what we can deliver in it. Topics Cristiano Ronaldo Denmark National Football Team Jorge Jesus Portugal National Football Team Rasmus Hojlund Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Ronaldo saga will not divide us, Jesus vows after Portugal win over Denmark Nicholas McGee 1st October, 2026 Denmark 2-4 Portugal: Jesus men put Ronaldo drama to one side with superb win Nicholas McGee 1st October, 2026 Ramos stars as Portugal put Ronaldo drama behind them against Denmark Nicholas McGee 1st October, 2026 Denmark v Portugal: Teams confirmed as Portugal begin life without Ronaldo Tom Rostance 1st October, 2026 Who will wear the number seven shirt for Portugal against Denmark following Ronaldos escape act? Jon Fisher 1st October, 2026 Portuguese public turn against Cristiano Ronaldo and back Jorge Jesus after row that could end strikers international career Jon Fisher 1st October, 2026
