Taking to Twitter Ronaldo stated, “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!”
A group too united to be torn apart by external forces. A nation too brave to let go of the… https://t.co/j3PM4dz9jJ
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) 1670504952000
The 37-year-old striker was surprisingly dropped for the last 16 clash on Tuesday, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos netting a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory over the Swiss.
Ronaldo came on as a substitute, but a report from a Portuguese publication said the striker had previously threatened to leave in a tense conversation with coach Santos.
“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the Selecao, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to depart the nationwide crew right through his keep in Qatar,” said the federation.
“Every day Ronaldo is build up a singular monitor document on the carrier of the nationwide crew and the rustic, which should be revered.”
The FPF said Ronaldo’s appearance against Switzerland was a further demonstration of his commitment to the cause.
Ronaldo is the most-capped Portuguese player and the top men’s international goalscorer of all time.
Portugal face Morocco on Saturday in the quarter-finals, where Ramos may again get the nod over Ronaldo.
(With inputs from Agencies)