Cristiano Ronaldo did not threaten to leave Portugal’s World Cup camp after being left out the starting line-up, the Portuguese FA (FPF) have announced.
Reports had claimed the superstar striker was indignant following Fernando Santos’ to drop him for the last-16 win over Switzerland.
That had followed Ronaldo’s reaction to being substituted late on in the defeat to South Korea, which his coach was quick to criticise before insisting the matter was resolved.
On Thursday, Portugal released a statement emphasising the 37-year-old’s commitment to the team.
It 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.”
Ronaldo himself tweeted: “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!”
