The Portuguese FA has said that Cristiano Ronaldo did not threaten to leave the World Cup camp after being left out of the starting lineup to face Switzerland in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
The former Manchester United star was a surprise absentee from the starting lineup with youngster Goncalo Ramos starting in his stead. The Benfica man netted a hat trick as Portugal sent Switzerland packing and set up a quarter-final date with surprise package of the tournament Morocco.
Ronaldo had been dropped from the starting eleven after Portuguese boss Fernando Santos revealed that he was unimpressed with Ronaldo's reaction when substituted in the final group game with South Korea. The 37-year-old cut a frustrated figure when he departed the pitch and Santos did not take kindly to Ronaldo's show of petulance.
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"If I see the images, yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I really didn’t like it,’ said the Portugal manager.
Since the Switzerland game, rumours have swirled about Ronaldo's unhappiness at his manager's decision. Reports surfaced earlier today that during crisis talks with Santos on Wednesday, Ronaldo threatened to leave the squad and return home.
The Portuguese FA have moved swiftly to deny these rumours and issued a statement defending Ronaldo and praising his “unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team”
“News released this Thursday reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos, national coach.
“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the internship in Qatar.
“Cristiano Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which attests to the unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.
“Incidentally, the degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland, in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup.
“The national team – players, coaches and FPF structure – is, as it has been since the first day, fully committed and enthusiastic in building what the country wants to be Portugal’s best ever participation in a World Cup.”
Ronaldo has had a tough time of it in recent months and recently saw his contract terminated by Manchester United after the 37-year-old gave an interview to Piers Morgan. In that interview, Ronaldo dropped the bombshell that he 'didn't respect' United boss Erik Ten Hag, and also took aim at other issues at the club.
The Portuguese captain is rumoured to have been tabled a mega money offer by Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, though no deal has yet been struck.
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