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Fernando Santos’ decision to bench the Portuguese superstar has dominated the headlines in recent days.

Cristiano Ronaldo has shut down reports about his intention to leave Portugal’s World Cup camp.

The 37-year-old started on the bench for Portugal in their 6-1 win over Switzerland on Tuesday. 

Reports then emerged of Ronaldo threatening to leave the national team’s camp after Fernando Santos’ lineup decision.

As Portugal prepare for their upcoming quarter-final against Morocco, Ronaldo has backed his side to remain united in their quest to win the country’s first-ever World Cup title.

“A group too close to be broken by outside forces,” the forward wrote on Twitter alongside an image of his team-mates celebrating a goal against Switzerland. 

“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

Fernando Santos sent his side to their last-16 battle without the experienced superstar.

Bruno Fernandes admits Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t “happy” to stay out of Portugal’s lineup in their victory over Switzerland.

Ronaldo started the game on the bench as Portugal went rampant against their last-16 opponents.

Santos replaced the five-time Ballon d’Or winner with Goncalo Ramos, who stole the show at Lusail Stadium. The 21-year-old bagged a hat-trick, helping his side reach the quarter-finals with a 6-1 win. 

Fernandes admits Ronaldo was unhappy with Santos’ decision but insists CR7 is ultimately happy with the brilliant result.

“Do you think anyone likes to be on the bench? I don’t think Cristiano would be happy,” Fernandes told reporters.

“If the manager puts me on the bench in the next game, I would be angry.”

He added: “Cristiano is doing his job, he’s doing his part, he’s happy with the result

Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered an inspiring rallying call to the Portugal team and fans ahead of the World Cup last-16 tie with Switzerland.

The Portuguese go up against the Swiss in the first knockout round on Tuesday evening. Victory at the Lusail Stadium will secure a quarter-final berth for only the third time in history, and the second in Ronaldo’s international career.

The country’s legendary skipper enters the match on a two-game goalless skid and at the center of another fresh wave of criticism following his substitution against South Korea, where he put his index finger to his lips in response to Cho Gue-sung telling him to leave quickly.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo is back and means business on what could be a historic night for Portuguese football.

“Today is for Portugal!” the 37-year-old forward posted on Instagram.

“For the Portuguese! For us and for ours! Today is for all the

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal take on South Korea on Friday for their final Group H match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

One point at the Education City Stadium will be enough for Portugal to finish top of Group H. This would set them up with a last-16 tie against the runners-up in Group G, which consists of Brazil, Switzerland, Cameroon, and Serbia.

Can CR7 get back on the scoresheet?

Cristiano Ronaldo needs one more goal to equal Eusebio’s record of nine World Cup goals for Portugal. The forward thought he did it in the 2-0 win over Uruguay by heading home the team’s first goal. However, FIFA awarded the goal to Bruno Fernandes, who also scored the second to complete a match-winning brace.

That aside, Ronaldo put in a decent performance last time out. The star entertained the fans with some tricks and flicks, even producing a brilliant shoulder