Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have responded via Instagram on Thursday afternoon to reports that he would have threatened to leave the Portuguese selection. Including sports newspaper Record reported that the 37-year-old superstar had informed national coach Fernando Santos that he would leave if Santos kept him out of the starting line-up again at this World Cup. Ronaldo then posted a cryptic text on Instagram.
“This group is too close to be torn apart by outside forces,” the 195-time international begins. “This nation is too brave to be terrified by adversity. A team in the purest sense of the word, which will continue to fight for the dream until the end! Believe in us! Forca, Portugal!” Next to the text is a photo of the cheering Portuguese team.
Came earlier on Thursday FPF, the Portuguese Football Federation, already with an official statement. In it, Ronaldo’s threats were denied. “We want to make it clear that at no time did the captain of the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during his stay in Qatar. Ronaldo works hard every day to improve his unique statistics for the national team and his country and that must be respected.”
“All the effort shows that he always gives his unconditional support to the national team and it showed again, for those who still doubted it, during the win against Switzerland,” the statement continued. “The national team, players, staff and association are fully committed and eager to build what could be Portugal’s best World Cup ever. We have been doing that from day one and will continue to do so.”
Otavio
Otávio, who has played two matches so far this World Cup, has also responded to the messages about his teammate. The 27-year-old midfielder indicated that little was going on. “It is normal for him to be disappointed that he is not playing, but that applies to all players, not just Cristiano. Everything he does or doesn’t do is news. Sometimes only the negative details are highlighted. Cristiano is an example, he is our captain. Even when he knew he wouldn’t play, he was one of the players who supported the team the most.”