Cristiano Ronaldo has dismissed reports that he planned to exit Portugal’s World Cup camp this week.
Ronaldo was replaced by Goncalo Ramos in the Portugal line-up and the Benfica striker justified his inclusion by bagging a sensational hat-trick in his side's 6-1 demolition of Switzerland. Coincidentally it was the first and only hattrick at the World Cup so far.
That reportedly led to a ‘fiery’ exchange with national team boss Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo's reported fall out with management at international level follows a similar situation at club level, having ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent last month, after his blockbuster interview with Piers Morgan.
Portuguese media outlet Record claimed that Ronaldo threatened to collect his belongings and walk out of Portugal's training base in Qatar this week in the fallout of his removal from the starting line-up. The veteran forward was not too pleased with the situation.
Ronaldo has now hit back at those allegations, referring to them as "outside forces" that were attempting to take a dent at Portugal’s hopes of winning their first ever World Cup title - days ahead of the quarter-final clash Morocco.
Ronaldo posted on Twitter, alongside a photo of Portugal’s players celebrating together during their Round of 16 win: “A group too close to be broken by outside forces. A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary. A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end! Believe with us! Strength, Portugal!
Statement from Portugal’s camp
A statement from the Portuguese FA, on behalf of Ronaldo 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."
Portugal will now look to advance to the semifinals of the World Cup but first they must defeat high-flying Morocco in a quarterfinal fixture on Saturday.
