Cristiano Ronaldo has responded to claims that he threatened to storm out of 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 netting a sensational hat-trick in his side's 6-1 demolition of Switzerland. That reportedly led to a ‘tense’ exchange with national team boss Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo's reported falling out with management at international level followed a similar situation at club level, having ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent last month following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
Portuguese media outlet Record reported this week that the 37-year-old threatened to collect his belongings and walk out of Portugal's training base in Qatar in the fallout of his removal from the starting line-up, with the suggestions threatening to derail the nation's bid to win their first-ever World Cup.
Ronaldo has now hit back at those allegations, referring to them as "outside forces" that were attempting to sabotage the nation's hopes of winning their first ever World Cup title - days ahead of the quarter-final clash Morocco.
https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1600839914719178753
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!
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A statement from the Portuguese FA 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."
