Cristiano Ronaldo was unexpectedly on the bench in Portugal’s 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland. After the game, Ronaldo’s substitute problem continued to be fermented and deduced.
Portuguese media even reported that Ronaldo had a dispute with coach Santos after learning that he could not start, and threatened to withdraw from the national team.
Portugal's success is all that matters to Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Do0o6Nfegc
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 7, 2022
On the evening of the 8th, the Portuguese Football Association issued an official statement refuting the rumors.
“News released this Thursday reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos, national coach,” the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement,” 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.”
Portugal respond to reports suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to walk out after being dropped 👀
— GOAL News (@GoalNews) December 8, 2022
Ronaldo wrote on the social networking site: “A very united team that cannot be broken by external forces. A very brave country that will not be intimidated by any opponent. A real team that will fight for dreams, Until the end! Trust us! Come on Portugal!“
Um grupo demasiado unido para ser quebrado por forças externas. Uma nação demasiado corajosa para se deixar atemorizar perante qualquer adversário. Uma equipa no verdadeiro sentido da palavra, que vai lutar pelo sonho até ao fim! Acreditem connosco! Força, Portugal!🇵🇹🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/gUeENXSB5F
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 8, 2022
Ronaldo has been a valuable Portugal member, scoring 118 goals in 195 international caps for his nation, and played in many World Cup and EURO finals.