Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at “outside forces” and insisted the Portugal camp is united ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.
The country's football federation was forced to respond on Thursday to reports back in Portugal claiming Ronaldo had threatened to quit the camp after being dropped to the bench for the 6-1 win over Switzerland.
Ronaldo himself followed that strong denial with his own message on social media, that read: “A group too close to be broken by outside forces. A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary. A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end! Believe with us! Strength, Portugal!”
Portugal midfielder Otavio, speaking at a press conference ahead of Saturday's game, insisted Ronaldo was an “example” to his teammates and gave them “strength” even from the bench.
“Cristiano said what he said and he's right, the group is united and it's not this outside news that will interfere,” the Porto player told reporters.
“He never said anything because he never wanted to leave. On the contrary. He is an example, the captain and even though he knew he wasn't going to play, he always gave us strength.
“The atmosphere was always normal; nobody saw an argument or anything like that. It's normal for him to get upset when he doesn't play, but it's not only Cristiano, it's all the players. Everything he does or doesn't do makes the news, and sometimes the details of the images only show the negative and not the positive.
“I think what Ronaldo said is absolutely right. We are united and it's not those things from the outside that are going to get into the group. We know everything that is going on, inside and outside, and we are only focused on playing and winning for Portugal.”
Portugal boss Fernando Santos had been irked by Ronaldo's reaction to being substituted against South Korea, saying afterwards: “Have I seen the images? Yes, I didn't like it, not at all. I didn't like it. I really didn't like it.”
He insisted the matter was resolved against the win over Switzerland but did not commit when asked about Ronaldo's playing prospects and role in the side.
“That is still something that has to be defined,” he said. “I have a very close relationship with him, I've known him since he was 19 at Sporting. Ronaldo and I never misinterpret the human and personal aspect with that of manager and player. I will always consider that he is a very important player to have in the team.”
The winner of Portugal's last-eight clash against Morocco will play England or France in the semi-finals.