According to reports from Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to leave Qatar immediately after playing in the Round of 16 match against Switzerland.
Portugal beat the Swiss 6-1. Goncalo Ramos, who replaced Ronaldo, scored a hat-trick on his debut.
The 21-year-old became the youngest player since Pele in 1958 to score three goals in the knockout stages of the World Cup, justifying manager Fernando Santos’ decision to leave Ronaldo out of the starting line-up.
Ronaldo scored a superb goal that was called for offside late on for Ramos.
After the last group game, Ronaldo appeared to be angry when he was traded to Santos.
“I didn’t like it at all. I didn’t like it at all,” said the coach.
In the next game, Ronaldo was substituted for “strategic” reasons.
After defeating the Swiss, Ronaldo left the field with his teammates excited. His girlfriend also looked angry.
As Portugal’s Record reached the knockout stages of the tournament, reports emerged that Ronaldo had decided to leave the World Cup.
The report claims Ronaldo spoke to manager Santos after being told he would not start against Switzerland and threatened to leave immediately in a “heated” conversation.
But he reportedly “came to his senses.” Ronaldo seems to have realized that Portugal have as good a chance of winning the title as any team and that he is important to the morale of the team and “immediately changed his mind”.
The Portuguese Football Federation has denied the reports, claiming that Ronaldo never threatened to leave.
“The FPF clarified that Selecao captain Cristiano Ronaldo never threatened to leave the national team while in Qatar,” the federation said in a statement.
“Ronaldo is setting a unique record every day in the service of the national team and country, which should be respected.”
The FPF said Ronaldo’s appearance against Switzerland was another demonstration of his commitment to the cause. Ronaldo is the most capped Portuguese player and the all-time top scorer.
Ronaldo took to social media after the game to show that he had no hard feelings.
“A great day for Portugal, a historic result in the biggest event in world football,” he wrote.
“A brilliant display from a team full of talent and youth. Our selection should be congratulated. The dream is alive! Until the end! Go Portugal!”
Maybe it cooled off after the storm. Maybe…
Portugal face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday, where Ramos could again get the nod over Ronaldo.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner did not train with the rest of the substitutes after Wednesday’s game, instead joining the gym with the starters against Switzerland.
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