The Portuguese Football Federation has quashed reports Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to walk out on Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s 6-1 victory over Switzerland, having reacted poorly to being substituted in the final World cup group game against South Korea.
Reports have surfaced that Ronaldo warned he would turn his back on his country and leave Qatar ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final with Morocco.
But the FPF has quickly rubbish the speculation and insisted Ronaldo has an ‘unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team’.
A statement read: “News released this Thursday reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos, national coach.
“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the internship in Qatar.
“Cristiano Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which attests to the unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.
“Incidentally, 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.
“The national team – players, coaches and FPF structure – is, as it has been since the first day, fully committed and enthusiastic in building what the country wants to be Portugal’s best ever participation in a World Cup.”
