He was ‘untouchable’ for years. He was disliked by Lionel Messi’s fans and only a few hardened ultras of Benfica. But in Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo was almost like a God and any criticism directed at him was forbidden. Whether it is because of that, or because Ronaldo’s ego is really unattainable, the front pages of the local media are filled with a new ‘affair’ related to his benching against Switzerland at the World Cup. Instead of training with the reserves, Ronaldo goes to the gym with the first teamThe sports daily ‘Record’ claims that Ronaldo had a hard time accepting Fernando Santos’ decision to leave him on the bench and that he even threatened to leave the World Cup. He allegedly only stayed when he was told how much trouble it would cause for the team. True or not, it’s hard to say, but is Ronaldo comfortable in this situation? He certainly isn’t. Immediately after the match with Switzerland, the media announced that the next morning he refused to train with other national team members who were not in the starting 11. Instead, he chose to work in the gym with the players who played full 90 minutes.Pistolero shoots his way into the football mainstream – and he’s got plenty more bulletsIt is not yet known if the situation was so serious, or if the Portuguese team wanted to relax the atmosphere and the players, who are preparing for the Morocco match, but the Portugal Football Federation released an official statement, denying that their captain tried to leave the team. “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” reads the statement. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6874287##
