Everton star Andros Townsend explains Cristiano Ronaldo celebration in Man Utd draw

Manchester United v Everton: Match in pictures

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Andros Townsend has explained why he copied Cristaino Ronaldo’s celebration when he scored Everton’s equaliser to snatch a share of the points against Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made the bold decision to drop Ronaldo to the bench for the Old Trafford clash.

Anthony Martial was handed a rare start and he took his opportunity with a clinical finish just before half-time.

Ronaldo was introduced shortly after the break but the fearless Toffees fought back to equalise when Townsend got on the end of a counter-attack and drilled the ball into the bottom corner.

He then sprinted over to the jubilant travelling fans and mimicked Ronaldo’s celebration.

Some supporters thought the attacker was trolling his Portuguese compatriot – but he insists it was quite the opposite.

“You know what, don’t disguise my idol spent hours on the training pitch trying to execute his techniques maybe should’ve spent a bit longer on the celebration because it wasn’t great execution,” he said.

“But it was a bit of respect to Cristiano and an honour to be on the field with him.”

Andros Townsend has explained why he copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration when he scored Everton’s equaliser to snatch a share of the points against Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made the bold decision to drop Ronaldo to the bench for the Old Trafford clash.

Anthony Martial was handed a rare start and he took his opportunity with a clinical finish just before half-time.

Ronaldo was introduced shortly after the break but the fearless Toffees fought back to equalise when Townsend got on the end of a counter-attack and drilled the ball into the bottom corner.

He then sprinted over to the jubilant travelling fans and mimicked Ronaldo’s celebration.

Some supporters thought the attacker was trolling his Portuguese compatriot – but he insists it was quite the opposite.

“You know what, don’t disguise my idol spent hours on the training pitch trying to execute his techniques maybe should’ve spent a bit longer on the celebration because it wasn’t great execution,” he said.

“But it was a bit of respect to Cristiano and an honour to be on the field with him.”

He added: “Going into the game with the injuries we would’ve expected a point but when you go to Old Trafford create the chances you created, we had the offside chance in the last few minutes, we’re delighted but on another day would’ve been three points.”

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand was quizzed on Townsend copying Ronaldo’s iconic celebration and he said: “It’s refreshing seeing someone speak so eloquently, it’s refreshing.

“He’s a very very good pro, he’s really good professional, you get your reward when you work hard, some players need that pat on the back but he doesn’t.

“For people to speak about him he’s demanding and getting the best out of this Everton dressing room.”

Source: Read Full Article