The Everton winger gave the impression that he was mocking the United superstar, but instead it was a gesture of appreciation.
Andros Townsend has explained copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration during Manchester United vs Everton saying it was “a mark of respect to a guy who influenced my career.”
Townsend produced a fine finish with his weaker foot to put Everton back on level terms in the second half against Manchester United at Old Trafford after Anthony Martial had put the hosts on the front foot in the first 45 minutes.
The winger immediately ran towards the corner flag, twisted his finger and then himself in the air, and finally shouted ‘siuuuu!’ – a move mimicking Ronaldo’s trademark goal celebration.
His goal turned out to be a decisive one as it helped Everton snatch a point and climb up to fourth place in the Premier League table.
“Not imitating, it’s just a mark of respect to a guy who influenced my career,” Townsend explained after the full-time whistle, speaking to BBC.
“I spent many hours on the training pitch and in the video room trying to analyze his free-kicks and his stepovers and the way he dedicated himself to football.
“So it wasn’t an imitation it was a mark of respect to one of my idols. I probably didn’t do the celebration justice and didn’t execute it properly.”
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