The starting eleven demotion of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo continues to cause discussions in Portugal. According to one report, the superstar even threatened to leave the World Cup in Qatar. The association reacts quickly and is outraged.
Portugal's football federation has denied reports that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has threatened to leave because of his reserve role. The association made it clear that Ronaldo "never threatened to leave the national team in Qatar," it said in a statement. The Portuguese newspaper Record had previously reported that Ronaldo had threatened to leave the World Cup after learning that he had been eliminated from the starting XI in the round of 16.
National coach Fernando Santos is said to have told Ronaldo in a "tense conversation" before the 6-1 win against Switzerland that the superstar would initially sit on the bench. It was the first time since 2008 that the attacking player was not part of the starting line-up in a game Portugal played in a major tournament. A heated discussion ensued, during which Ronaldo threatened to leave Qatar, Record reported. The 37-year-old then changed his mind.
The association said Ronaldo "builds every day a unique story at the service of the team and the country, which must be respected and which shows an undeniable commitment to the Seleção". The round of 16 victory against Switzerland also showed how committed Ronaldo was to the team. The captain came on as a substitute in the 74th minute and celebrated his team's first two goals as a substitute. After the final whistle, he was the first to disappear into the dressing room.
Ronaldo's partner Georgina Rodriguez had publicly complained about the superstar's joker role. "It's a shame we couldn't enjoy the best player in the world for 90 minutes," the 28-year-old wrote on Instagram. She had watched the game at Lusail Stadium. "All eyes were on you as the 11 players sang the anthem," she wrote, referring to the photographers' keen interest in the CR7 sitting on the bench. "The fans have not stopped demanding your commitment and calling your name." The spectators had chanted at Ronaldo in the second half and loudly cheered his substitution.
Referring to Portugal coach Fernando Santos, Rodriguez wrote that she wished "God and your dear friend Fernando continue to walk hand in hand". Santos had put Ronaldo on the bench after his poor performance in the tournament and the anger about his substitution against South Korea and ordered youngster Gonçalo Ramos in the starting XI. The 21-year-old scored three goals against Switzerland.
