The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has denied that Cristiano Ronaldo has threatened to quit the World Cup.
In the previous match against South Korea, the Portugal the captain reacted angrily when he was substituted.
The FFP said: “At no time did Cristiano Ronaldo threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar.”
Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual agreement before the opening of the Portugal World Cup after a controversial interview in which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner criticized the club.
Ronaldo was substituted off the pitch in Portugal’s first two games and coach Fernando Santos said he “didn’t like” Ronaldo’s reaction when he was substituted again in the 2-1 group. loss to South Korea.
Goncalo Ramos started in place of Ronaldo against Switzerland and the 21-year-old netted a hat-trick in the 6-1 win.
Ronaldo, who is Portugal’s most capped player (195) and all-time top scorer (118), was used as a late substitute in that game but then left the field while his teammates were still celebrating .
“Cristiano Ronaldo is building a unique track record every day in the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected,” added the FPF.
“The degree of commitment of Portugal’s most capped player was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland, in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup.”
Portugal face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
Ronaldo did not train with the other substitutes after Wednesday’s game, instead taking part in a gym session alongside those who started against Switzerland.
