After it was reported that Cristiano Ronaldo had threatened to leave the team after being benched against Switzerland, Ronaldo said on Thursday that Portugal were “too united to be broken by outside forces.”
Goncalo Ramos scored a hat trick in a thrilling 6-1 victory over Switzerland, replacing the 37-year-old striker who was dropped from the last-16 match earlier this week.
The striker had reportedly considered leaving the team during a heated conversation with coach Fernando Santos, according to a Record report.
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However, the forward from Manchester United and Real Madrid took to his social media accounts on Thursday to emphasize the team’s unwavering strength.
He stated, “It’s a group too united to be broken by outside forces.”
A nation that is too brave to allow itself to be scared by any enemy. a true team that will fight for the dream until the end, in every sense of the word.
The striker had not previously threatened to leave, according to the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
The federation stated, “The FPF clarifies that at no time did the Selecao captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar.”
“Ronaldo is accumulating a one-of-a-kind record of service to the national team and country every day, which must be respected,”
According to the FPF, Ronaldo’s appearance as a substitute against Switzerland demonstrated his dedication to the cause.
In the quarterfinal matchup between Portugal and Morocco on Saturday, Ramos may once more win over Ronaldo, the most-capped Portuguese player and all-time leader in men’s international goals.
Otavio told reporters at the team’s Doha camp, “I think what Cristiano said is crystal clear, he’s totally right, nothing from the outside can break us apart.”
“We’re very close-knit, and all we care about is winning for Portugal,”
The midfielder acknowledged that Ronaldo’s displeasure at being benched was normal.
He stated, “I think everyone is bitter when they don’t play, so that’s perfectly normal.” We are still extremely focused and united.
“You will see that Cristiano Ronaldo’s heart and soul is in the national team, and he is supporting the team regardless of whether he is on the bench or not,” according to “the images, pictures, and videos.”
After working out in the gym on Wednesday with the players who started against Switzerland, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined his teammates for training on Thursday.