Portugal forced to deny sensational claims Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to LEAVE World Cup squad over Switzerland snub
PORTUGAL have strongly denied sensational claims Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to LEAVE the World Cup after being dropped for their emphatic win over Switzerland.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, 37, started his country's opening four games in Qatar.
But he was then left out of Fernando Santos' XI for the Switzerland game, before his replacement Goncalo Ramos bagged a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory.
On Thursday, Portuguese outlet claimed Ronaldo made a threat to leave the World Cup altogether after being benched.
But the Portuguese FA have categorically denied the reports, releasing a which 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.
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"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."
Following Ronaldo's second half substitution in the group stage match with South Korea, the ex-Manchester United forward was reported as telling Santos "you're in a f*****g hurry to take me away".
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He swiftly refuted those claims by insisting he was actually speaking to a South Korean player who was urging him to leave the field quickly.
He said: "What happened was before my substitution, the South Korea player told me to get off quickly.
"I told him to shut up as he doesn't have that authority. There was no disagreement [with the coach]."
But Ronaldo could not avoid the fact that he sulked while being taken off, leaving boss Santos unimpressed.
Ahead of the Switzerland game, the Portugal head coach said: "Have I seen the images? Yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I didn’t like it. I really didn’t like it.
"But from that moment onwards everything is finished regarding that issue.
"These matters are resolved behind closed doors. It’s resolved."
Following Ramos' hat-trick in the last-16, he is expected to keep his place at the expense of Ronaldo.
Portugal take on Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.