DOHA – The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) on Thursday denied Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to abandon the World Cup squad after being benched against Switzerland.

The 37-year-old striker was surprisingly dropped for the last-16 clash on Tuesday, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos netting a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory.

Ronaldo eventually came off the bench to play a part, but a report from Portuguese publication Record said the striker had previously threatened to leave in a tense conversation with coach Fernando Santos.

“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the Selecao, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar,” said the federation.

“Every day Ronaldo is building up a unique track record at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected.”

The FPF added that Ronaldo’s late appearance against Switzerland was a further demonstration of his commitment to the cause.

The former Manchester United striker is the most-capped Portuguese player and the top men’s international goalscorer of all time.

In November, he left the Red Devils after giving an explosive TV interview in which he took aim at the club and manager Erik ten Hag, also in part because he was dropped for a big Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Portugal face Morocco on Saturday in the quarter-finals, where Ramos may again get the nod over Ronaldo.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner did not train with the other substitutes on Wednesday after the game, instead taking part in a gym session alongside the starters against Switzerland.

Ronaldo has struggled to find the net since converting from the penalty spot in Portugal’s group opener against Ghana, when he became the first player to score in five World Cups.

Talk of his club football future has surrounded him in Qatar, with rumours that he is in talks to sign a blockbuster deal with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr following his high-profile exit from United.

One source said the club were in “serious negotiations” with Ronaldo but an agreement had not yet been reached because of issues with his image rights. AFP, REUTERS