Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that the goal celebration with which he is now synonymous was merely a “completely natural” reaction to finding the target while at Real Madrid.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is currently on the books of Serie A giants Juventus, has had plenty of practice down the years when it comes to finding the target.
His stunning strike rate means that he is never far away from getting the opportunity to revel in the acclaim of an adoring fan base.
It was, however, back in the summer of 2013 that he gave his famous “Siiii” a first run out.
Explaining the origins of his actions, which see him spin in mid-air before landing with his arms outstretched, Ronaldo told Soccer.com: “It was when we were playing Chelsea in the USA and I really don’t know how it came about.
“I scored and it just came out. It was completely natural to be honest.
“Afterwards, I realised I enjoyed it and started to do it more often. I saw that the fans liked it and that they’d remember it so I carried on doing it.”
Ronaldo went on to net 51 times for Real in the 2013-14 campaign, before raising that tally to 61 the following season and never again dropping below the 40-goal mark before he departed Madrid in the summer of 2018.
He has remained a regular source of inspiration in the final third for Italian champions Juventus, while also taking his haul of international efforts for Portugal to 88 in 158 appearances.
A standing as an all-time great, and arguably the best ever, has already been firmly established by a modern-day icon.
Ronaldo is, however, prepared to admit that he still looks up to heroes of the past.
Many of those plying their trade at present would welcome the opportunity to play alongside him, but who does the 34-year-old superstar idolise?
Ronaldo said, when that question was put to him: “In my mind I have a lot of players I wanted to play with.
“But I will choose one from my country, passed away a few years ago: Eusebio
“He is one of the symbols of Portugal, he was an amazing person, he died a few years ago but I wish I could have played with him in the national team.”
