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The Portuguese Football Association responds to allegations Cristiano Ronaldo vowed to abandon the World Cup after his contract was terminated.
Portugal has disputed accusations that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to quit the World Cup after being dropped by manager Fernando Santos against Switzerland.
The 37-year-old was unexpectedly left out of the starting lineup for his country’s thrashing 6-1 victory over the Swiss on Tuesday, with substitute Goncalo Ramos defending his manager’s choice by scoring a magnificent hat-trick.
Ronaldo entered the game as a late substitute but seemed out of breath. Instead of lingering on the field to celebrate with the team, he went straight down the tunnel after the final whistle.
Santos is believed to have been annoyed with Ronaldo’s reaction to being subbed in their group stage defeat to South Korea, with Portuguese channel CMTV claiming the former Manchester United forward said, ‘You’re in a f***ing hurry to take me off’ when he exited the pitch.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had also put his finger to his lips and shushed a South Korean player who wanted him to leave the field quicker, with Santos saying he ‘did not like’ the reaction afterwards.
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According to the Portuguese newspaper Record, it was after that drama that the veteran coach decided he would bench Ronaldo against Switzerland and the forward was livid when he was informed.
Incredibly, Record claim Ronaldo got into a heated row with Santos and threatened to leave the World Cup entirely, with the former Real Madrid superstar unhappy with the role he has been given at the tournament.
Ronaldo is said to have calmed down eventually and backtracked on his threat, though the Portuguese FA has now released a statement denying Record’s report.
‘News released on Thursday claims Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with national coach Fernando Santos,’ read the statement. ‘The FPF wants to clarify that at no time did national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team during the tournament in Qatar.
‘Cristiano Ronaldo continues to build on his unique record of service to the national team, which should be respected and which attests to his unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.’
The statement added: ‘The national team – players, coaches and the FPF structure – are fully committed and enthusiastic, as has been the case since day one, to building what we hope will be Portugal’s best ever World Cup.’