CRISTIANO RONALDO has explained how he jump-started his famous ‘Siiii!’ goal celebration ten years ago – and admits it’s a Real imitation.
The Juventus superstar, who soared 8ft 5ins to head an incredible winner against Sampdoria on Wednesday, says he copied the mid-air pirouette and Spanish shout for “yes” from Madrid team-mates.
Juventus frontman Cristiano Ronaldo notched a superb header to clinch a 2-1 win over Sampdoria – and celebrate in typical styleCredit: EPA
Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo leaps into arguably the most famous goal salute in the modern gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Asked why he both launched his own version – and kept it – Ronaldo replied: “I always say that the best things happen in a natural way.”
The Portugal legend made his confession in an interview for sport-streaming service DAZN, to be released on December 26.
And, like so much of his career, it seems he has learnt from what he has seen – then taken it to a new level.
He said: “I started saying it when I was at Real Madrid,
“When we all won, they, said ‘siiii!’. I started saying it, I don’t know why. It came naturally to me.
“I remember the pre-season in Los Angeles. We played against Chelsea, I scored a goal and I did this (mimics the celebration).
“People asked me: ‘why did you do it?’ I don’t know. I did it, I turned around, but naturally.”
The 34-year-old even hailed the third of his five Ballon d’Or wins, in 2014, with a yell of “Siiii!”
That left then-Real chief Carlo Ancelotti – now poised to become Everton boss – laughing but Fifa’s translator flummoxed.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk