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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to Manchester United spell with new celebration

Cristiano Ronaldo showcased a new celebration which incorporated the Manchester United 'nap pose' during the 6-0 victory over Luxembourg on Sunday.

Ronaldo performed the celebration for the first time when he scored against Everton in October. It is understood to be a reference to how the Portuguese great slept when the Reds travelled to matches.

In November the 38-year-old left Old Trafford following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan where he criticised United, Ten Hag, the Glazers and former teammates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney. Since then, Ronaldo signed for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr and appeared to have retired the 'nap celebration' in favour of his iconic 'Siu' which he invented during his time at Real Madrid.

ALSO READ: Ferdinand says his treatment of Ronaldo was 'borderline bullying'

However, the 38-year-old debuted a new celebration during Sunday's win over European minnows Luxembourg. After opening the scoring in the ninth minute, Ronaldo began celebrating with the 'Siu' before reverting to the 'nap' pose as he landed.

While he may have left the Theatre of Dreams under a cloud Ronaldo, up until recently, had chosen not to comment further on the departure. But, in a pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Liechtenstein, the forward opened up on the exit.

He said: "Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side. I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there’s no time for regrets.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Portugal with nap celebration (Will Palmer/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

"Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth. When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below.

"Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important, because I had never been through this, like in the last few months. Now I’m a better man."

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