Amid Replacement Complaints, Ronaldo Denies 'Team Departure Threat' Allegations: "That Never Happened"

"True Team Fighting for Dreams Until the End"
"Cheer Up, Portugal" Leaves SNS Message

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal greets fans after a big win against Switzerland in the Round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo (37, Portugal) has issued a statement refuting reports of a 'threat to leave the national team' surrounding him.

On the 8th (Korean time), Ronaldo posted on social media (SNS), "A united group unbreakable by external forces, a brave country that fears no opponent, a true team that fights for the dream until the end," adding, "Believe in us. Cheer up, Portugal."

Ronaldo, who parted ways with his club Manchester United (England) after conflicts ahead of the first group stage match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup last month, is now embroiled in rumors of discord with the national team.

Portuguese media outlet Record reported, "When Ronaldo found out he was excluded from the starting lineup against Switzerland, he went to coach Fernando Santos and threatened to leave the national team."

"Believe in us. Cheer up, Portugal."

In the Group H third match between South Korea and Portugal, Ronaldo demands forward pressing from his teammates. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 3rd of this month, in the Group H third match of the World Cup against South Korea, Ronaldo showed a disappointing performance in a 2-1 victory and was substituted out in the 20th minute of the second half. In the round of 16 match against Switzerland on the 7th, Ronaldo was on the substitute list and came on in the 29th minute of the second half.

Even without Ronaldo's contribution, Portugal won decisively against Switzerland 6-1, securing a spot in the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years. After the match, Ronaldo did not join the victory celebration and headed alone to the locker room.

Earlier, during the third group stage match, he left the field with a dissatisfied attitude, including a verbal spat with South Korean national team player Cho Gyu-seong (24, Jeonbuk Hyundai) at the time of substitution.

Ronaldo emphasized on SNS that his affection for the national team remains unchanged and sought to quell the discord rumors. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) also denied the local reports on the 9th (Korean time), stating, "Ronaldo never threatened to leave the national team in Qatar."

They added, "Ronaldo's dedication, holding the record for the most A-match appearances in the history of the Portugal national team, was once again proven in the round of 16 match against Switzerland in the last World Cup."