Cristiano Ronaldo has said the Portugal squad is a 'group too close to be broken by outside forces' as he hit back at reports he wanted to leave the international team during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Portugal are through to the quarter-finals of the tournament after they obliterated Switzerland 6-1 to set up a quarter-final date with Morrocco. Though he didn't score, former Manchester United striker Ronaldo remained in the headlines as manager Fernando Santos made the brave call not to start him in the game.
It was the first time Ronaldo hadn't started an international knockout match since 2008 but Santos' decision was vindicated as his replacement, young striker Goncalo Ramos, scored the opener and went on to net an excellent hat trick. The No.7 came on for the final minutes and scored before the offside flag ruled it out.
