The Portuguese Football Federation has responded to reports that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo rebelled at being benched against Switzerland. Ronaldo was said to have threatened to quit the national team after starting the FIFA World Cup 2022 match. Goal machine Ronaldo, one of the greatest players in the history of the game, was dropped from the starting XI by head coach Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo was on the bench against Switzerland
Ronaldo's 31-game losing streak ended after the former Manchester United star didn't start Portugal's first knockout match at the Qatar World Cup. Ronaldo had to sit on the bench in a major tournament for the first time since 2008. Ronaldo was seen on the bench for a long time in the match.
According to a report, Ronaldo argued with manager Santos after the decision to sit on the bench. Reacting to the sensational news about Ronaldo, the Portuguese FA has issued a strong statement ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match between Portugal and Morocco.
Portuguese FA issued a statement
The Portuguese FA said in a statement: "News released this Thursday reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during talks with national coach Fernando Santos. The FPF clarifies that at no time did national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team in Qatar. Cristiano Ronaldo builds a unique track record every day in the service of the national team and country, which should be respected."
Ronaldo, the Real Madrid and Juventus superstar, is the all-time leading goalscorer in men's international football. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored 118 goals for Portugal. Ronaldo-led Portugal will take on giant killer Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday in the quarter-final stage of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
