The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has denied that Cristiano Ronaldo has threatened to quit the World Cup.
Portuguese publication Record claim the 37-year-old striker made the threat after learning he would not feature against Switzerland in the round of 16.
In the previous game against South Korea, the Portugal captain reacted angrily when he was substituted.
The FPF said: “Cristiano Ronaldo never threatened to leave the national team during his time in Qatar.”
Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual consent ahead of Portugal’s World Cup opener after a controversial interview in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticized the club.
Ronaldo was substituted off the pitch in both Portugal’s opening matches and coach Fernando Santos said he ‘didn’t like Ronaldo’s reaction when he was substituted again in the 2 defeat -1 against South Korea. Goncalo Ramos started for Ronaldo against Switzerland and the 21-year-old netted a hat-trick in the 6-1 win.
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Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time leading international (195) and all-time top scorer (118), came on late but then left the pitch while his teammates were still celebrating.
“Cristiano Ronaldo builds a unique record of service to the national team and the country every day, which must be respected,” added the FPF.
“The all-time Portugal international’s dedication was once again demonstrated – if need be – by beating Switzerland in the 2022 World Cup Round of 16.”
Portugal meet Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
Ronaldo did not train with the other substitutes after Wednesday’s game but attended a training session alongside those who started against Switzerland. After the FPF statement was released on Thursday, Ronaldo tweeted: “A group too close to be broken apart by outside forces.
A nation too brave to be bullied by any adversary.
