The Portuguese Football Association released a statement over shock claims that captain Cristiano Ronaldo “threatened to leave” the camp after being benched by coach Fernando Santos.
Portuguese publication Record had stated that Ronaldo “threatened to leave” Portugal’s camp after their 6-1 win over Switzerland – the first World Cup game he started from the bench since 2006.
The report alleges that Ronaldo met with Santos for talks after the match and wanted to leave the camp before “coming to his senses” and changing his mind.
However, the Portuguese FA reacted swiftly to those allegations and denied them via a statement.
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“News released this Thursday reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos, national coach,” the statement read, as translated into English.
“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.”
