Andros Townsend has revealed that Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo was “muttering in Portuguese” when he approached him for his shirt after Everton’s draw.
The 30-year-old Everton winger cancelled out Anthony Martial’s first-half opener with a cool finish past David de Gea in the second half at Old Trafford.
And Townsend immediately took a page out of Ronaldo’s book by copying the United superstar’s trademark ‘siuuu’ celebration.
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The England international’s equaliser ensured that Everton secured a point against United on Saturday.
Speaking after the match, Townsend insisted that Ronaldo is his “idol” and the celebration was a “bit of respect to Cristiano.”
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Now, the Everton player has claimed that he had no intention of leaving Old Trafford without Ronaldo’s shirt.
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Townsend “ran straight” to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner at the full-time whistle and Ronaldo “eventually” agreed to part ways with his shirt.
“I made it my goal that I was not leaving Old Trafford without Cristiano Ronaldo’s shirt,” he told talkSPORT.
“You saw after the final whistle, I ran straight to him, I don’t know what he was muttering but it wasn’t English.
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“He was muttering in Portuguese and I asked him three or four times for his shirt and eventually he gave in and said he would give it to me inside.
“I had to wait inside the dressing room and thankfully the kit man was able to sort it for me. That shirt I am going to keep with me.”
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United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer withdrew Edinson Cavani in the second half and brought on Ronaldo, who made his 200th Premier League appearance.
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However, Ronaldo was spotted storming off the pitch at the full-time whistle and heading straight down the Old Trafford tunnel.
The 36-year-old Portuguese forward is reportedly among five United players who are ‘unhappy’ with Solskjaer.
United legend Gary Neville criticised Ronaldo for his actions when he left the pitch, saying it will only “bring real pressure, more pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”
Featured Image Credit: PA/BT SportTopics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Everton, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football