Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly threatened to storm out of Portugal's World Cup camp after boss Fernando Santos surprisingly dropped him for the last-16 clash against Switzerland.
Ronaldo was replaced by Goncalo Ramos in the Portugal line-up and the Benfica striker justified his inclusion by netting a sensational hat-trick in his side's 6-1 demolition of Switzerland. The win sets up a quarter-final clash with Morocco, who beat Spain on penalties earlier on Tuesday.
Ronaldo's reported falling out with management at international level followed a similar situation at club level, having ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent last month following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
Portuguese media outlet Record outline how Ronaldo threatened to collect his belongings and walk out of Portugal's training base in Qatar in the fallout of his removal from the starting line-up, with the suggestions threatening to derail the nation's bid to win their first-ever World Cup.
It is claimed that Ronaldo was deeply unhappy when Santos informed him of the decision and even threatened to leave in what is described as a tense conversation, before eventually backing down and reiterating his desire to help the squad during the knockout phases of the competition.
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The Portuguese FA has refuted the reports and added that the 37-year-old '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.'
Ronaldo's replacement Ramos - who was making his first start at international level - blasted into the roof of the net to open the scoring against Switzerland and he went on to score twice more after the break; slotting home from Diogo Dalot's cross for his second and Portugal's third and then produced a dinked finish over Yann Sommer to complete an eye-catching hat-trick.
Ronaldo wrote on Instagram after the game: "Amazing day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest event in world football. Luxury display of a team full of talent and youth. Our Selection is to be congratulated. The dream is alive! To the end! Go ahead, Portugal!"
Ramos will be hopeful of retaining his place up front for Portugal ahead of Ronaldo for the remainder of the tournament as they prepare to take on Morocco - the only remaining African nation at this year's World Cup - in the last-eight.
