Cristiano Ronaldo insists Portugal are ‘too close to be broken by outside forces’ after fallout

Cristiano Ronaldo has ranted on social media after speculation that he wanted to leave Portugal’s World Cup camp – insisting the squad are ‘too strong to be broken by outside forces’.

The forward has dominated much of Portugal’s World Cup camp amid his bitter exit from Manchester United before getting into hot water with his national team over attitude and performance issues. 

He has scored just once in Qatar and irked his manager Fernando Santos by sulking after being withdrawn in their 2-1 loss to South Korea. And when he was dropped by his coach for their last-16 clash against Switzerland – which they won 6-1 – he is said to have threatened to fly home.

But Portugal later hit out at the rumours, saying 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.’ 

The forward hailed the ‘bravery’ and strength of the squad amid ongoing speculation 

Now the 37-year-old has broken his silence since the reports emerged, insisting Portugal were too ‘close’ and ‘brave’ to be affected by outside noise. 

In a tweet, the forward wrote: ‘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!’

Ronaldo has sought to ease tensions between himself and Santos after the coach expressed his fury at the player for his behaviour when coming off against South Korea. 

Ronaldo and manager Fernando Santos have a tense relationship in Qatar and reportedly held tense talks where the ex-Man United star threatened to fly home 

Santos said he ‘did not like it at all’, adding: ‘If I see the images, yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I really didn’t like it,’ Santos said of Ronaldo’s reaction to going off against South Korea.

‘Everything is finished, full stop, regarding that issue and now we have to think about the match and everyone is focused on the match. 

‘I only decide who is going to be the captain when I reach the stadium so I don’t know the line-up.

‘That’s what I’ve always done and that’s what I’m always going to do. It’s going to be the same with this match.’ 

Ronaldo has endured a difficult time in Qatar – scoring just once and being plagued with a series of off-the-pitch problems

Ronaldo then added to the row by walking off alone after Portugal’s win over Switzerland – while the rest of his team-mates were celebrating the romp – before he posted on Twitter hailing the team’s display and praising the selection of his manager. 

‘Amazing day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest event in world football,’ he wrote.

‘Luxury display of a team full of talent and youth. Our Selection is to be congratulated. The dream is alive! To the end! Go ahead, Portugal!’