Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal deny that captain threatened to leave World Cup squad
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has denied that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the World Cup.
In the previous game against South Korea, the Portugal captain reacted angrily when he was substituted.
They said “At no time did Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar.”
Ronaldo was substituted off the field in both of Portugal’s opening games and coach Fernando Santos said he “didn’t like” Ronaldo’s reaction when he was again replaced during the 2-1 group defeat by South Korea.
Goncalo Ramos started instead of Ronaldo against Switzerland and the 21-year-old scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory.
Ronaldo, who is Portugal’s most-capped player (195) and all-time leading goalscorer (118), was used as a late substitute in that game but, afterwards left the field while his team-mates were still celebrating.
“Cristiano Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected,” added the FPF.
“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.”
Portugal face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
Ronaldo did not train with the other substitutes after Wednesday’s game, instead taking part in a gym session alongside those that started against Switzerland.
Source: BBC Sports
