Portugal FA dismisses reports stating Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave World Cup

Portugal’s Football Federation has dismissed media reports stating Cristiano Ronaldo is being threatened to leave the national team during the World Cup after coach Fernandos Santos didn’t start the skipper for their round of 16 win over Switzerland. 

Portugal’s most accomplished player and top goal scorer of all time, was not named in the starting XI for the first knockout game on Tuesday as they thrashed Switzerland 6-1, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos bagging a hattrick. 

"The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team at any stage in Qatar," it said. "The level of commitment of Portugal's most capped international player was once again demonstrated ... in the victory against Switzerland."

Ronaldo has struggled with his form lately. He hasn’t scored since converting one from the spot in the group opener against Ghana, when he became the first player to score in five World Cups. 

Portugal will be crossing swords with Morocco in the Quarterfinals on Saturday.