Cristiano Ronaldo did not threaten to leave Portugal’s World Cup camp due to a disagreement with coach Fernando Santos.
That’s according to the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), after reports emerged that Ronaldo said he would leave the team after Santos decided to bench him for the Round of 16 tie against Switzerland.
Portugal won 6-1 on Tuesday when Ronaldo came on as a substitute and had his goal disallowed for offside.
In a statement released on Thursday, the FPF insisted there was no problem between the 37-year-old and Santos.
“News released this Thursday report that Ronaldo threatened to quit the national team during an interview with Fernando Santos,” the statement read.
“The FPF clarifies that Selecao captain Ronaldo never threatened to quit the national team while in Qatar.
“Ronaldo creates a unique track record every day in the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which shows an unquestionable level of dedication to the national team.
“Incidentally, the level of dedication of the player who is most limited by Portugal showed itself again when needed in the win against Switzerland.”
Ronaldo’s substitute against Switzerland, Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat-trick and with Portugal performing so well without their captain in the starting line-up, it seems unlikely that Santos will draft the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus striker back. Saturday’s quarter-final against Morocco.
