Ronaldo opted for a different kind of celebration at Everton
Manchester United have revealed the story behind Cristiano Ronaldo's new celebration after his match-winning goal against Everton on Sunday.
Ronaldo came off the bench to score the 700th club goal of his career on another record-breaking night for the 37-year-old.
Over the years we have become accustomed to the forward pulling out his traditional 'SIU' celebration, but Ronaldo went for a different approach at Goodison Park.
Dressing room joke inspired Cristiano Ronaldo's new goal celebration.
Instead, the forward stood upright with his head back, eyes closed and fingers crossed in front of his chest, alongside Antony, who had brought United level in Merseyside.
According to the club website, Ronaldo's new pose was part of a 'self-deprecating' nod to the way he sleeps, which has been picked up on by his teammates, hence Antony's added involvement.
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They explained: "We can now reveal that Ronaldo’s celebration was a self-deprecating in-joke with his fellow team-mates, highlighting the strong bonds among the players in Erik ten Hag’s squad.
"Of course, Cristiano is renowned for looking after himself and ensuring he is always in the best possible condition, which naturally involves hours of hard work on the training pitch and in the gym.
"It also includes resting at the right moments and ensuring he has enough sleep to aid his recovery: it has previously been reported that Ronaldo naps several times a day!
"CR7’s celebration at Everton was amusingly a nod to the position in which he sleeps when travelling with the squad, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by his team-mates who are all eager to learn from him."
Ronaldo's goal at Everton was his first of the season after spending the large majority of it as a bit-part player. However, with injuries in the forward line, the Portugal international may now get a run in the team.
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