Explained: Ronaldo’s new 'nap' goal celebration as Man Utd superstar breaks ‘Siuuu’ tradition

• Ronaldo debuted the 'nap' vs Everton
• It came after his 700th goal in club competition
• New celebration replaces the iconic 'Siuuu!'

WHAT HAPPENED? Ronaldo netted what proved to be a match-winning effort against the Toffees at Goodison Park on October 9, 2022, with that strike taking him to 700 in club competition across a remarkable career. The Manchester United star would normally have toasted such an achievement by breaking out his famous ‘Siuuu’ routine, but there was no sign of that on Merseyside as he instead closed his eyes, rolled his head back and stood with fingers crossed in front of his chest.

It wasn't a once-off either, as the Portugal captain produced the celebration again later on in the month when he scored in United's 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff.

What is Cristiano Ronaldo's new 'nap' celebration?

Ronaldo's 'nap' celebration involves the Portugal star stopping in front of the fans, closing his eyes and clasping his hands together in a satisfied sleeping pose. It is much less bombastic than the 'Siuuu!' celebration, which involves a leap and pirouette, with the fans exclaiming 'Siu!' in unison.

You can watch the celebration below.

What does new Cristiano Ronaldo celebration mean?

United offered an explanation as to why Ronaldo, in partnership with fellow forward Antony, favoured a different approach against Everton, saying on the club’s official website: "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."