Goncalo Ramos insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is still a leader inside the Portugal dressing room, and revealed he received words of encouragement from the superstar ahead of Portugal's World Cup win over Switzerland.
The 21-year-old Benfica forward scored a hat-trick as Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1 in Lusail, setting up a quarter-final showdown with Morocco in the process. With the former Manchester United forward beginning the game on the bench, Ronaldo watched on as Ramos ran riot on only his fourth cap for his country.
Portugal boss Fernando Santos has suggested that his decision to drop the former Real Madrid man was purely 'tactical', insisting there is no bad blood between the pair. United duo Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot both began the game from the off, with the pair each registering an assist in the triumph.
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Ramos - who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford - spoke candidly regarding the former Reds forward post-match, insisting his influence inside the dressing room is still key now and more than ever.
"Cristiano Ronaldo talks to me and everyone in the team. He's our leader and always tries to help," Ramos said following his superb hat trick. "I don't know if I will start the next game, that's up to the coach, I have to work as hard as I can and then we'll see.
"Cristiano as our captain did what he always does. He helped us, he encouraged — not just me, but also my colleagues."
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