SUCCESS at the World Cup with Portugal is all that matters to Cristiano Ronaldo WITH or WITHOUT his goals.
The 819 career-goal forward, 37, was benched for Portugal’s World Cup round of 16 clash with Switzerland.
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One goal in the group stages and a sulky reaction to being subbed against South Korea left boss Fernando Santos unimpressed.
Pepe took up the captains armband in Ronaldo’s absence, and striker replacement Goncalo Ramos netted a hat-trick in the 6-1 win.
Ronaldo came on for 16 minutes with the game with the Swiss already put to bed.
But contrary to popular belief, Ronaldo would be happy with Portugal winning the World Cup if it meant he didn’t score.
He said in November: “If you tell me that Portugal wins the World Cup without my goals, I’ll sign that in a moment.”
Such comments contradict Portuguese outlet Record’s reporting that Ronaldo made a threat to leave the World Cup altogether after being benched.
The Portuguese FA have rubbished the news, as has Ronaldo himself.
Sharing a snap of the squad, including himself as a sub, celebrating a goal from Tuesday, he wrote: “A group too close to be broken by outside forces. A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary.
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“A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end! Believe with us! Strength, Portugal!”
The Portuguese released a statement which read: “News released this Thursday reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos, national coach.
“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the National Team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the internship in Qatar.
“Cristiano Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which attests to the unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.
“Incidentally, the degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland, in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup.
“The National Team – players, coaches and FPF structure – is, as it has been since the first day, fully committed and enthusiastic in building what the Country wants to be Portugal’s best ever participation in a World Cup.”
Portugal play World Cup dark horses Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Should they get past the North African country, a date with World Cup holders France OR England in the semis awaits.
A semi-final win could set up a last dance with rival Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Brazil, Croatia or Holland in the final on December 18.
