Cristiano Ronaldo has said the Portugal squad is a 'group too close to be broken by outside forces' as he hit back at reports he wanted to leave the international team during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Portugal are through to the quarter-finals of the tournament after they obliterated Switzerland 6-1 to set up a quarter-final date with Morrocco. Though he didn't score, former Manchester United striker Ronaldo remained in the headlines as manager Fernando Santos made the brave call not to start him in the game.
It was the first time Ronaldo hadn't started an international knockout match since 2008 but Santos' decision was vindicated as his replacement, young striker Goncalo Ramos, scored the opener and went on to net an excellent hat trick. The No.7 came on for the final minutes and scored before the offside flag ruled it out.
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Ronaldo didn't take kindly to being benched by Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, ultimately leading to his sudden departure last month following his interview with Piers Morgan, and speculation suggested history was repeating itself in Qatar. Santos and several of Ronaldo's teammates said that wasn't the case but that didn't prevent Portuguese outlet Record from claiming on Thursday the 37-year-old threatened to leave the national team when he was told he wouldn't be starting in the last 16 tie.
Ronaldo has hit back at the story as he tweeted a rallying cry for the team and its supporters. It read: "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!"
The Portuguese Football Federation also moved quickly to deny the story. A statement said: "At no time did Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team during the stay 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," added the FPF.
"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."
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