Portuguese Football Federation denies Cristiano Ronaldo threat claim

Reports in the Portuguese media claimed Ronaldo made a threat to leave the World Cup squad after the coach dropped him to the bench against Switzerland.

The Portuguese Football Federation has denied a rumor that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to abandon the national team.

Portuguese outlet Record made this claim against Ronaldo. The report stated the Portugal skipper threaten to leave after a ‘tense conversation’ with Fernando Santos. The alleged argument came after the manager benched him for the World Cup match 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,” read a statement from the Portuguese Football Federation.

“Every day Ronaldo is building up a unique track record at the service of the national team and the country.

“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.”

Portugal won the last-16 tie by a 6-1 scoreline with Ronaldo’s replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scoring a hat-trick. Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, and substitute Rafael Leao were also on target.