Cristiano Ronaldo hits back at ‘outside forces’ after World Cup walkout threat reports | Football News
Sharing on Twitter, Ronaldo said: “A collective too close to be broken by outside forces. A nation too brave to fear no enemy. A team in the truest sense of the word. the best of the word, will fight for the dream to the end! Believe in us! Stay strong, Portugal!”
Um group demasiado unido para ser quebrado por forças externas. Uma nação demasiado corajosa para se deixar atmori… https://t.co/j3PM4dz9jJ
– Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) 1670504952000
The 37-year-old striker was unexpectedly knocked out of the round of 16 on Tuesday, when his replacement Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over Switzerland.
Ronaldo came on as a substitute, but information from a Portuguese publication said that the striker had previously threatened to leave during a tense conversation with coach Santos.
“FPF clarified that at no time did the captain of the Selecao, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during his stay. Cata“, the union said.
“Every day Ronaldo is building a unique record in service to the national team and country, this must be respected.”
The FPF said Ronaldo’s appearance against Switzerland was another testament to his commitment to the cause.
Ronaldo is the most capped Portuguese player and the all-time top international goalscorer.
Portugal face Morocco on Saturday in the quarter-finals, where Ramos can once again win over Ronaldo.
(With input from Agencies)