Rasmus Hojlund denies fake statement about Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus row

Rasmus Hojlund has distanced himself from a statement claiming he had criticised Portugal’s treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo after Denmark’s 4-2 defeat by Portugal in the Nations League.

Hojlund celebrated Denmark’s second goal by performing Ronaldo’s famous “Siuu” celebration, paying tribute to the player he has described as his idol. The Manchester United forward then appeared to push Portugal manager Jorge Jesus after the final whistle, although the exchange seemed playful and Jesus responded with a smile.

A message later attributed to Hojlund began circulating online and was presented as a reaction to the dispute between Ronaldo and Jesus. The statement read: “I just wanted to send a strong message to the Portuguese national team that if they do not appreciate Cristiano, there are many people around the world who have been inspired by him and still admire him.”

The message was shared by the Globe Soccer Awards account, which is reportedly closely linked to Ronaldo’s former agent Jorge Mendes, according to The Sun.

Hojlund directly rejected the statement by commenting on the Globe Soccer post: “I didn’t say this.”

The post appeared shortly after Hojlund had spoken positively about Ronaldo following the match. Hojlund scored Denmark’s second goal to make it 2-2, before Portugal added two further goals to secure all three points.

“I just wanted to dedicate my goal to my idol,” Hojlund said. “Whatever difficulties Cristiano is going through at this stage of his career, he will never be forgotten.”

The Sun reported that Ronaldo has remained close to Mendes despite the pair ending their professional relationship in 2022. Mendes has won the Globe Soccer Award for Agent of the Year 13 times, while Ronaldo has been named the organisation’s Player of the Year on six occasions.

Ronaldo’s absence from the match against Denmark followed a difficult period with the Portugal national team. He started the 1-0 victory over Wales but was left out of the squad for the win against Norway.

Ronaldo was visibly frustrated on the touchline during the Norway match after being asked to warm up for about half an hour without being brought on. He subsequently left the pitch angrily after Jesus acknowledged that the forward would not start the following game against Denmark.

Jesus insisted that “I am the one who makes the decisions” and that “the same rules apply to all players”.

Ronaldo later announced on Instagram that he had left the Portugal camp.

“After the national team’s news conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the camp,” he wrote.

“In due course, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself. For now, it is time to wish Portugal and all my team-mates, without exception, the best of luck.”