Portugal denies that Ronaldo threatened to leave camp

Portugal denies that Ronaldo threatened to leave camp

The FPF of Portugal has refuted claims that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to withdraw from the World Cup.

The 37-year-old attacker allegedly made the threat after learning he wouldn’t start their round of 16 match against Switzerland, according to Portuguese daily Record.

The Portugal captain reacted violently after he was replaced in the team’s previous match against South Korea.

The FPF stated: “At no point during the stay in Qatar did Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team.”

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Before Portugal’s World Cup opening, Ronaldo departed Manchester United amicably following a contentious interview in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticized the team.

In both of Portugal’s early matches, Ronaldo was taken off the field and coach Fernando Santos stated he “didn’t appreciate” Ronaldo’s response when he was taken off again during the 2-1 group loss to South Korea.

In place of Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos started the match against Switzerland, and the 21-year-old scored three goals in the 6-1 victory.

Ronaldo, who has played in 195 games for Portugal and has scored 118 goals overall, came on as a late substitution but then departed the field as his teammates continued to celebrate.

The FPF continued, “Cristiano Ronaldo establishes a singular record every day in the service of the national team and the country, which must be honored.

The victory over Switzerland in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup “showed the level of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal again, if necessary.”

On Saturday, Portugal takes on Morocco in the quarterfinals (15:00 GMT).

Ronaldo participated in a gym session with the players who started against Switzerland after the game on Wednesday rather than training with the other substitutes.

Ronaldo tweeted after the FPF statement was made public on Thursday: “A nation too brave to allow itself to be frightened by any adversary. A group too close to be broken by outside forces.

“A team in the truest sense of the word that will persevere in its pursuit of the ideal. Believe alongside us.

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