Explosive reports in Portugal today claim was ready to walk out on his country’s World Cup squad after learning he had been dropped from their starting XI against Switzerland.
The former star has overshadowed Fernando Santos’ preparations for most of the tournament after – but his poor performances for his country, coupled with , have led to tensions with his boss.
And Portuguese outfit have claimed that the legendary forward wanted to pack his bags and quit the World Cup after holding talks with Santos, having found out he would not feature in the line-up for the last-16 clash this week.
The Portuguese FA deny the claims, saying Ronaldo ‘builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which attests to the unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.’
They claim his ‘dedication was demonstrated’ against Switzerland – despite his post-match sulking following the last-16 victory.
After being told he would not start in the game, Ronaldo had a sit-down with Santos and made it clear he was unhappy with his decision not to play him – threatening to pack his bags and leave Qatar during a ‘tense’ conversation, the report claims.
However, he is understood to have ‘come to his senses’, and realised ‘the importance and urgency’ of keeping things stable in Portugal’s camp and ‘quickly changed his mind’.
It adds that the rest of the Portugal squad acknowledge that Ronaldo is in the public eye and that every step he takes is scrutinised, but claims there is a ‘clear intention’ from the players ‘not to let the star’s actions have any negative impact’ to ensure the team have the best chance of winning the World Cup.
Ronaldo – who has had a difficult time in Qatar and netted just once – sought to ease tensions this week as he posted on social media to ‘congratulate’ Santos’ selections despite not picking him.
(DailMail)
