RONALDO DIDN’T THREATEN WORLD CUP WALKOUT AFTER BEING BENCHED, SAYS PORTUGAL

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) on Thursday denied reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to abandon the World Cup squad after being benched against Switzerland.

The 37-year-old striker was surprisingly dropped for the last 16 clash on Tuesday, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos netting a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory.

Ronaldo appeared from the bench, but a report from a Portuguese publication said the striker had previously threatened to leave in a tense conversation with coach Fernando Santos.

“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 establishing an exceptional track record in support of his country and the national team, which demands respect.

The FPF claimed that Ronaldo’s participation versus Switzerland was another example of his dedication to the cause.

Ronaldo is both the all-time leading scorer for men’s international teams and the Portuguese player with the most caps. In the quarterfinal match against Morocco on Saturday, Ramos might once more start over Ronaldo.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner participated in a gym session with the starters against Switzerland on Wednesday rather than training with the other substitutes.