Portugal plays down reports of Ronaldo’s exit from team camp

According to reports, the Federation of Portuguese, Football [PFA] has denied reports of alleged threats of Cristiano Ronaldo abandoning the teams, labeling them as rumors.

The Federation revealed the statement after initial reports of the having a clash with head coach Fernando Santos hence his reason for threatening to storm out of the camp.

The forward was overlooked by Santos as he remained on the bench following his side’s demolition of Switzerland in the round of 16.

Ronaldo came in as a substitute in that game, scoring a goal that was later ruled out for an offside.

The latest statement released on Thursday reiterated that there is no issue between the player and his head coach.

It further states that there wasn’t any point in time when the 37-year-old vowed to walk away from his teammates as he has been held in high regard by members and staff of the team due to his undisputed service and dedication to the National team.

“He [Ronaldo] has shown an undivided loyalty to the country. His hard is always full of emulation, and we believe this has been demonstrated in the victory over Switzerland. “

The backing of the national federation things must have been slightly misinterpreted as the statement depicts the full backing of their star player.

The Federation will also want to do with all forms of negative news as attention must not be waivered in their clash against Morocco

Goncalo Ramos, a player who replaced Ronaldo in the starting lineup, showed a different side to the Portuguese side as he bagged a hat trick without the presence of their talismanic forward.

Portugal continues their preparations in the quarterfinals as they look to take on the African side Morocco on Saturday.

Akinnifesi Olumide