Speaking to Twitter, Ronaldo said: “A group too close to be broken apart by outside forces. A nation too brave to be scared off by any opponent. A team in the truest sense of the word, who will fight for the dream until the end! Believe with us! Strength, Portugal!”
Um grupo demasiado unido para ser quebrado por forças externas. Uma nação demasiado corajosa para se deixar atemori… 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 scoring a hat-trick in the 6-1 win over the Swiss.
Ronaldo came on as a substitute, but a report from a Portuguese publication said the striker had already threatened to leave in a tense conversation with coach Santos.
“The FPF specifies that at no time did the captain of the Selecao, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar”, specifies the federation.
“Every day Ronaldo builds a unique record of service to the national team and the country, which must be respected.”
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 top men’s international goalscorer of all time.
Portugal face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday, where Ramos could once again get the green light over Ronaldo.
(With agency contributions)
