REVEALED: Cristiano Ronaldo 'wanted to pack his bags and WALK OUT on the World Cup' after tense talks Portugal boss Fernando Santos - but their FA still say captain is 'committed' to the cause

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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 realised '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 scrutinised, 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 winning the World Cup. 

After denial from the Portuguese FA, Record doubled down on their claim that Ronaldo threatened to leave Qatar after discovering he would not start against Switzerland.

The publication's latest report explained their original version of events in more detail, insisting that the former Man United star briefly discussed walking out of Portugal's World Cup campaign, although nothing came of it in the end. 

Ronaldo - who has had a difficult time in Qatar and netted just once - sought to ease tensions this week as he posted on social media to 'congratulate' Santos' selections despite not picking him.

'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!'.

However, this week it was reported by Spanish media that Ronaldo had not trained with the substitutes from Portugal's win and instead joined the players who had started in the gym. 

Ronaldo reportedly failed to train with Portugal's substitutes this week and instead joined the starters for a low-intensity session - despite playing just 20 minutes against Switzerland 

Marca claimed that Ronaldo went for a low-intensity gym session with the starters, despite playing less than 20 minutes against Switzerland as a substitute. The game saw his replacement Goncalo Ramos net a hat-trick - fully justifying Santos' decision to drop him.

Ronaldo has previously infuriated his coach by reacting angrily to being substituted in their 2-1 loss to South Korea in the group stages last week - admitting he 'really didn't like it'. 

‘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.

‘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.’

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro has urged her brother to leave Qatar and return home to a place where he is shown 'gratitude' after his Portugal snub. 

Portugal play Morocco in their quarter-final clash on Saturday at 3pm - with Ronaldo expected to be on the bench again following Ramos' sensational display.