On Thursday, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) stated that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to quit the World Cup squad. When he was benched for the match against Switzerland. Portugal denies Ronaldo’s walkout threat. Goncalo Ramos, who replaced the 37-year-old attacker in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s round of 16 matches. He scored a hat trick in the 6-1 victory.
Portugal denies Ronaldo’s walkout threat
Ronaldo made an appearance off the bench against Switzerland. Still, a report from the Portuguese publication Record claimed that the striker had threatened to leave in a tense conversation with coach Fernando Santos. The FPF said Ronaldo’s appearance was further evidence of his commitment to the cause.
Ronaldo is the most-capped Portuguese player and the top men s international goalscorer. This Saturday, Portugal will play Morocco in the quarterfinals, and it’s possible that Ramos may start in place of Ronaldo. The five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or worked out in the gym with the rest of the starting lineup instead of the substitutes after Wednesday’s game against Switzerland.
“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the Selecao, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar,” said the federation.
“Every day Ronaldo is building up a unique track record at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected.”