Thierry Henry slams Javier Hernandez celebration: 'Go and thank Ronaldo'

Published 23/04/2015 at 08:34 GMT

Thierry Henry has criticised Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez for ignoring Cristiano Ronaldo while celebrating his goal for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid.

Javier Hernandez

Image credit: Eurosport

WHAT HAPPENED?

Hernandez slotted in from close range on 88 minutes after excellent work from Cristiano Ronaldo, giving Real a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate win over their neighbours and a place in the Champions League semi-finals.

[REPORT: Hernandez fires dramatic winner for Real Madrid]

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AND THE CELEBRATION?

Hernandez sprinted off towards the corner flag, slid on to his knees and then lay on his back in jubilation. Meanwhile, Ronaldo raised his arm, broke into a million-dollar grin and celebrated with team-mates including James Rodriguez and Sergio Ramos.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Real Madrid's goal against Atletico while the scorer Javier Hernandez lies on the ground (Reuters)

Image credit: Reuters

WHAT WAS HENRY’S PROBLEM?

The Sky Sports pundit felt Hernandez, who had endured a torrid night, didn’t show enough gratitude to Ronaldo, who produced a brilliant run to set up the goal.

He had a couple of chances in the game before that but I can tell you he can thank Ronaldo tonight. I know he went on to celebrate alone and everything but he can thank Ronaldo. For me, he has to. That is, for me, Ronaldo's goal. What I don't like after is (he celebrated) like he won the World Cup. Turn around and celebrate with Ronaldo.

Javier Hernandez celebrates his goal for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid

Image credit: Reuters

THAT’S A BIT HARSH, NO?

Well, yes. Hernandez was first on the scene, and it was Ronaldo (and others) who decided not to celebrate immediately with him. Other observers felt Ronaldo rather hogged the limelight.

Nick Miller tweet

What’s more, it was a crucial goal scored by a player who has suffered a torrid couple of seasons with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Hernandez’s relieved elation seem entirely understandable.

[OVERREACTION THEATRE: Chicharito 'mugged off by MK Dons']

And, as Jamie Carragher put it:

Ronaldo is the worst in the world at things like that. He took a penalty in the final last year to make it 4-1, he takes his top off and becomes the picture the next day.

Javier Hernandez (right) scores for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid

Image credit: Reuters

DON’T THESE TWO HAVE PREVIOUS?

Yes – during last Saturday’s Liga match against Malaga, Ronaldo appeared to ignore Hernandez after the Mexican set up a goal for him.

Mind you, Ronaldo did acknowledge his colleague after the final whistle, suggesting his celebration was simple exuberance rather than a snub.

3D Goal: Javier Hernandez

WHY ARE YOU STILL GOING ON ABOUT A GOAL CELEBRATION?

Because there wasn’t much else to talk about from a turgid encounter at the Bernabeu. Also because everything Ronaldo does is subject to the minutest scrutiny, particularly when it involves his relationship with his Real team-mates.

[Ronaldo sings Champions League anthem, world goes crazy]

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Real Madrid's winner while Javier Hernandez lies in the background

Image credit: Reuters

WHAT NOW FOR HERNANDEZ?

Despite his match-winning contribution, Hernandez had a poor night and will be consigned to the bench as soon as Karim Benzema returns. Real have to decide whether to make his loan move from Manchester United permanent – but on the basis of his minimal appearances over the last two seasons, he may not have a future at either club.

So we’ll let him enjoy his moment. Eh, Thierry?

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