After imitating his celebration: Hojlund wades into the Ronaldo crisis with a bold message

There are still many around the world who admire him: Hojlund defends Ronaldo

Denmark lost 4-2 to Portugal on Thursday evening in the third round of the UEFA Nations League.

The result went the hosts' way, but the night's biggest talking point belonged to Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, who celebrated his goal in the style of Portuguese great Cristiano Ronaldo.

Hojlund broke in behind the Portuguese defence in the 53rd minute. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, he chipped the ball over the advancing keeper and into the net.

As the ball crossed the line, he sprinted to the side and leapt into the air, pulling off Ronaldo's trademark "Siu" celebration, cry and all.

According to the Tribuna website, the Danish striker wasted no time after the final whistle explaining his celebration, and he fired off a direct message about the current situation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rasmus Hojlund said: "I just wanted to send a strong message to the Portuguese national team, that if they don't value Cristiano, there are many people around the world whom he has inspired and who still admire him."

Those bold words laid bare just how much Hojlund values Ronaldo's legacy and his standing in the game.

Ronaldo missed the match against Denmark after storming out of the Portugal camp, with his row with coach Jorge Jesus over a lack of playing time having boiled over.