Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to rumours he “threatened to leave” his country’s World Cup camp after being dropped to the bench.
On Thursday, a report by Portuguese publication Record had claimed that Ronaldo wanted to walk out of the camp after showdown talks with coach Fernando Santos following his side’s 6-1 last 16 win over Switzerlands before “coming to his senses”.
However, those reports were strongly denied by the Portuguese Football Federation, who swiftly released a statement on those shock claims.
Ronaldo himself also took to social media, saying A Selecao is more united than ever.
“A group too close to be broken by outside forces. A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary,” he stated, as translated into English.
“A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end!
“Believe with us! Strength, Portugal!”
Ronaldo had been dropped from the Portugal starting XI for the first time since the 2006 World Cup, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland.
However, Santos had downplayed rumours of a rift with Ronaldo, insisting his decision to bench the 37-year-old had tactician reasons.”
