Fernando Santos reveals ‘frank conversation’ with benched Cristiano Ronaldo

The 37-year-old came on in the closing stages as Portugal booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 6-1 win.

Portugal manager Fernando Santos, left, says Cristiano Ronaldo did not threaten to leave (Mike Egerton/PA)

Portugal coach Fernando Santos revealed he had a “frank conversation” with Cristiano Ronaldo to explain why he was dropping him, but insisted the veteran forward did not threaten to leave the World Cup.

Reports in Portugal claim Ronaldo was ready to walk out on his country after learning he would be on the bench for the last-16 clash with Switzerland.