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The newspaper Récord from Portugal dropped a bombshell: Cristiano Ronaldo would have threatened to leave the national team in the middle of the 2022 World Cup Qatar. However, the Football Federation and the goal scorer took care to deny such version. And, to reinforce the positions of the institution and the current free agent, Otavio did not hesitate to resolve all the doubts of the press regarding the captain's attitude.
ALSO SEE: Cristiano Ronaldo speaks out after speculation about his departure from the Portugal national team
"He never wanted to leave," the midfielder of the national team said in a press conference. In fact, the Porto man narrated that the behavior of the referent has been exemplary at all times, even on the day they faced Switzerland in the round of 16. In that match, 'CR7' started on the bench and came on in the second half.
"He has always helped us whether he is playing or not," he clarified. "He is an example. Our captain. The team stands with him," he highlighted about the former Real Madrid player. "Our strength is that we are all united. The atmosphere has always been completely normal. No one has ever seen an argument or anything like that," he expressed about the atmosphere that is breathed in the team.
At the same time, Otavio understood Cristiano for not starting the matches. "It is normal for him to be upset when he doesn't play, but it is not just Ronaldo, it is everyone," he said. Then, the midfielder commented on how each action of the number 7 is perceived. "Everything he does, or doesn't do, is news. We are all united," he affirmed.
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How did Cristiano react to being a substitute against Switzerland?
Otavio revealed that the scorer approached Goncalo Ramos, who replaced him in the team against the Swiss, to offer him his support. Not only that, the leader of the Portuguese team was involved at all times in what was happening on the pitch, but that was not highlighted, said the Porto striker.
ALSO SEE: The Portuguese Federation clarified that Cristiano Ronaldo did not threaten to leave the national team in the 2022 Qatar World Cup
"Cristiano always showed support for the team, inside and outside the field. The images only show the negative and not the positive. He is an example, he is our captain and in that same match he was one of the ones who supported the team the most, even after knowing he wouldn't play. We are united," he added.
To conclude, Otavio reiterated about Ronaldo that "he is an exemplary player, one of the best in the world and in history." But, given the circumstances, the midfielder has confidence in the "quality of everyone. Goncalo Ramos came in and did well. There are 24 of us (Nuno Mendes and Danilo Pereira are out). Everyone is ready to play," he concluded.