<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;">The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) on Thursday denied Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to abandon the World Cup squad after being benched against Switzerland.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>Ronaldo appeared from the bench, but a report from Portuguese publication Record said the striker had previously threatened to leave in a tense conversation with coach Fernando Santos.</div><div><br></div><div>"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.</div><div><br></div><div>"Every day Ronaldo is building up a unique track record at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected."</div><div><br></div><div>The FPF said Ronaldo's appearance against Switzerland was a further demonstration of his commitment to the cause.</div><div><br></div><div>Ronaldo is the most-capped Portuguese player and the top men's international goalscorer of all time.</div><div><br></div><div>Portugal face Morocco on Saturday in the quarter-finals, where Ramos may again get the nod over Ronaldo.</div><div><br></div><div>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. - AFP&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>