Sport
Serbian player left in a heap on floor failing to mimic CR7’s iconic celebration
Just because Cristiano Ronaldo can do it doesn't mean you can too, and that's exactly what Serbian Aleksa Terzic discovered.
After scoring a dramatic late equalizer in a Nations League match against Switzerland, the 25-year-old wanted to end his crowning moment with Ronaldo's iconic 'siuu' celebration.
It involves running to the corner, jumping into the air and spinning around before landing, and throwing both arms down for dramatic effect.
Only Terzic's excitement caused him to misjudge the celebration and he was left hoping for fear of injury when his legs buckled on the landing.
The RB Salzburg star winced in pain as he was mobbed by teammates during a failed celebration that suggests some things are best left to their makers.
As he gingerly got back to his feet to allay fears of a possible injury, his manager Dragan Stojkovic immediately took him off, somewhat unimpressed by the overzealous celebration.
“I dreamed of a goal like that,” Terzic told TV Arena Sport.
'I did my best to help the team. If we all do our best, everything will come back in the end. My dream has come true, as long as there are no injuries!'
The failed celebration was certainly something players could joke about, especially with Terzic's dramatic late intervention on his national team debut.
“We often joked about that when we were together at Fiorentina,” revealed striker Dusan Vlahovic when asked about the celebration at the end.
'On the bus on the way to the stadium he said to me: “I'll assist you, you score a goal and it's our party.” Coincidentally, we switched roles and everything went perfectly.
'I am very happy that we have had the opportunity to show our joy in the national team.
“First of all, I am happy for Aleksa and congratulate him on his debut in the national team.”
Ronaldo is one of the greatest players ever and there will undoubtedly be a wry smile when you see young players emulating his celebration.
Last weekend, Ronaldo once again hinted at his retirement after his final appearance for Portugal.
Ronaldo, 39, is one of the greatest footballers to ever play the game, with the Portuguese superstar scoring more than 900 goals in his career. The forward has represented Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr in an illustrious career dating back to 2002.
Ronaldo – who has also won the Ballon d'Or five times – took his international goals tally to 135 in 215 appearances with a brace during Portugal's 5-1 victory over Poland in the Nations League on Friday.
He emphasized afterwards that his focus remains on football, with his retirement dependent on his motivation level as he approaches his 40s.
'I just want to enjoy myself [myself]' said Ronaldo. 'Pension plans? If it has to happen, in one or two years… I don't know. I'm turning 40 soon.'