Andros Townsend Pays Incredible Tribute To 'Idol' Cristiano Ronaldo In Wholesome Post-Match Interview
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Everton goalscorer Andros Townsend says he performed Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic SIUUUU celebration as a sign of respect to his idol growing up.
The 30-year-old winger, who joined The Toffees in July after his contract at Crystal Palace expired, netted the equaliser in Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Moments later, a delighted Townsend ran towards the corner flag, lept in the air and performed the pirouette-type movement made famous by Manchester United's number 7. You can see that celebration below.
Andros Townsend does the Siiuuuuuu at Old Trafford!
He enjoys a goal in Manchester! A wonderful flowing move! pic.twitter.com/8DYwq0GdY1
- Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 2, 2021
Townsend later spoke about his decision to perform Ronaldo's celebration in a brilliant post-match interview.
"You know what, there's no disguising he's my idol. I grew up watching Cristiano Ronaldo, spent hours on the training pitch trying to execute his techniques," Townsend told BT Sport.
"Maybe I should've tried harder with the celebration because it wasn't great execution.
"It was a bit of respect to Cristiano. It's an honour to be on the same field as him."
"He's my idol. I grew up watching Ronaldo, I spent hours on the training pitch trying to execute his techniques.
"Maybe should have spent longer on the celebration because it wasn't great!" :joy:
Andros Townsend says it was a honour to share the field with CR7.
:microphone2: @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/MBxBeOcg9f
- Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 2, 2021
It was another frustrating afternoon for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his Manchester United side.
After going 1-0 up thanks to a great finish from Anthony Martial, United struggled to take control of the game and Everton took full advantage in the second half when Townsend finished off a wonderfully crafted breakaway.
Everton and Man United are level on points in the Premier League.
They had very different transfer windows :eyes::moneybag: pic.twitter.com/pX76bRADmz
- ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 2, 2021
Despite the performance, Solskjaer was upbeat with some aspects of their display.
"Well part of it was really good, I thought we started with high energy, created some good openings and scored a fantastic goal coming into half-time 1-0 you're pleased," he said after the final whistle.
"Second half we lacked that cutting edge to get the second which is vital, from a corner that we had we concede five seconds later or whatever, so that was the disappointing bit.
"We weren't too open, we had enough players behind the ball but we didn't deal with the tackles when we should have.
"It was a good goal by them but when they counter from one side the goal is going to happen from the other side. We just didn't regroup and reorganise well enough."
Everton were allowed 10 shots inside the box (to Man United's nine), but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his side "didn't concede many chances" and "were in total control, dominating the game."
- Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) October 2, 2021
Thoughts on United's performance against Everton? Is Ole the right man for the job?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Everton, Cristiano Ronaldo
