news World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo ‘wanted to WALK OUT on Portugal’ after being axed for Switzerland clash

Explosive reports in Portugal today claim Cristiano Ronaldo was ready to walk out on his country's World Cup squad after learning he had been dropped from their starting XI against

Switzerland.The former Man United star has overshadowed Fernando Santos' preparations for most of the tournament after the fallout of his exit from Old Trafford - but his poor

performances for his country, coupled with his own attitude problems in their camp, have led to tensions with his boss. And Portuguese outfit Record have claimed that the legendary

forward wanted to pack his bags and quit the World Cup after holding talks with Santos, having found out he would not feature in the line-up for the last-16 clash this week. The

Portuguese FA deny the claims, 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.'They claim his 'dedication was demonstrated' against Switzerland - despite his post-match sulking following

the last-16 victory. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wanted to quit Portugal's World Cup camp after he learned he would not feature in their last-16 tie against Switzerland Ronaldo -

who watched on from the bench in Portugal's 6-1 win - was said to be ready to pack his bags following the axe But after tense talks with manager Fernando Santos (L), Ronaldo has

had a change of heart Ronaldo came on for Portugal in their 6-1 thrashing of the Swiss but then cut an isolated figure at full-time as he walked off the pitch alone while the rest

of his team-mates were celebrating their progress to the quarter-finals. After being told he would not start in the game, Ronaldo had a sit-down with Santos and made it clear he

was unhappy with his decision not to play him - threatening to pack his bags and leave Qatar during a 'tense' conversation, the report claims. However, he is understood to have

'come to his senses', and realized 'the importance and urgency' of keeping things stable in Portugal's camp and 'quickly changed his mind'. Ronaldo cut an isolated figure as he

trudged off following Portugal's win while the rest of his team-mates were celebrating Ronaldo has already irritated Santos at this World Cup - admitting he 'really didn't like'

the forward's moody reaction to being subbed against South Korea It adds that the rest of the Portugal squad acknowledge that Ronaldo is in the public eye and that every step he

takes is scrutinized, but claims there is a 'clear intention' from the players 'not to let the star's actions have any negative impact' to ensure the team have the best chance of