Portugal’s preparations for their World Cup quarterfinal took a backseat on Thursday as media attention was once again squarely focused on captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s status with the team.
A story out of Portugal medial outlet “Record,” claiming the star forward had threatened to leave the team in Qatar over not earning a starting spot in the Round of 16 match against Switzerland, prompted denials by both the player and the Portuguese football federation.
“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!” was the statement Ronaldo, 37, tweeted in response on Thursday morning.
The Portuguese FA issued its own denial, saying: “Reports claiming Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos are not true — FPF clarifies that at no time did Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team in Qatar.”
Santos, Portugal’s manager, had expressed displeasure with Ronaldo’s body language after being replaced in a 2-1 loss to South Korea on Friday. Gonçalo Ramos was eventually awarded Ronaldo’s spot in the game against Switzerland on Tuesday, making Santo look like a genius when the 21-year-old scored three goals in his first start for the national team, which Portugal won 6-1.
Ronaldo made headlines before the World Cup in Qatar had begun, after giving an interview to British broadcaster Piers Morgan, where he criticized his club team (Manchester United) and manager Erik ten Hag. United has since come to a mutual agreement to terminate Ronaldo’s contract, making him a free agent.
Ronaldo next made news when he appeared to have scored off a kick by teammate Bruno Fernandes in Portugal’s 2-0 group match win over Uruguay. While Ronaldo celebrated as if he had made contact with the ball, FIFA awarded the goal to Fernandes, with the world scrutinizing the play down to the player’s last follicle of hair.
Portugal is slated to play upstart Morocco on Saturday in the World Cup quarterfinals.