JAKARTA - The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) dismissed reports that Cristiano Ronaldo issued threats to leave the Portugal squad after being backed up against Switzerland.
The report in question was first published by Portuguese media, Record. They wrote that Ronaldo threatened to leave the squad after speaking with coach Fernando Santos after the match.
"The news released this Thursday reports that Cristiano Ronaldo has threatened to leave the national team after speaking with Fernando Santos, the national team coach," the FPF denied.
"The FPF clarifies that the national team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has never threatened to leave the national team during the World Cup in Qatar," they added.
Ronaldo, who currently does not have a club after Manchester United's contract, spent most of his time on the bench as Portugal won 6-1 over Switzerland in the last 16 Wednesday morning.
The former Real Madrid player only entered in the 73rd minute to replace Joao Felix after Portugal had a 5-1 lead over their opponents.
According to reports, Ronaldo was placed on the bench because his reaction did not please Fernando Santos when he was replaced by the coach when Portugal lost to South Korea in the final group stage match.
"Cristiano Ronaldo builds a unique track record every day to serve the national and state teams, which must be respected and prove a level of unquestionable commitment to the national team," the FPF continued statement read.
Ronaldo is the all-time leading goalscorer in international football. He made a total of 118 goals in 195 appearances for his country over the past 19 years.
To that end, he may have won the trust to play again since the first minute when Portugal played the last eight against Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday, December 10, 2022.
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