Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted this Portugal squad are “too close to be broken by outside forces” in response to reports he had threatened to leave his country’s World Cup camp.
Claims in the Portuguese media detailed the striker’s unhappiness with being dropped for the last-16 win over Switzerland and how he had allegedly demanded to start the next game or pack his bags and go home.
Portugal released a statment on Thursday officially denying the report, adding that Ronaldo demonstrated his “dedication” by coming off the bench having been dropped over a row about being substituted in the previous match.
Ronaldo tweeted a picture of the Selecao’s celebrations with the caption: “A group too close to be broken by outside forces.
“A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary. A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end! Believe with us! Come on, Portugal!”
Um grupo demasiado unido para ser quebrado por forças externas. Uma nação demasiado corajosa para se deixar atemorizar perante qualquer adversário. Uma equipa no verdadeiro sentido da palavra, que vai lutar pelo sonho até ao fim! Acreditem connosco! Força, Portugal!🇵🇹🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/gUeENXSB5F
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 8, 2022
The earlier Portugal statement read: “Reports released this Thursday claim that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos, the national coach.
“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the camp 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.”
