Portugal fans DON’T want Cristiano Ronaldo back in their team for their quarter-final versus Morocco

The vast majority of the Portuguese fans do not want Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Fernando Santos’ starting eleven against Morocco, according to a survey carried out by the Portuguese media.

Ronaldo fell to the bench during his country’s crushing 6-1 win against Switzerland in the round of 16 and was replaced by 21-year-old striker Goncalo Ramos, who scored a hat-trick in his first start in the Copa del Rey. World with Portugal.

Reports on Thursday claimed that a furious Ronaldo threatened to leave his country after his demotion from the starting line-up, but was ultimately dissuaded from making a hasty decision. The Portuguese FA has refuted the claim.

Before the round of 16 clash, coach Santos admitted he was furious with Ronaldo for sulking after he was substituted during Portugal’s group stage loss to South Korea last week.

Ramos’ hat-trick has understandably put the veteran’s place in the starting line-up for the remainder of the tournament in doubt.

After carrying out a survey among the national fans, the Portuguese daily to ball found that a staggering 93.6% of supporters want Ramos to lead the line against Morocco.

The poll, which simply required a yes or no answer, does not bode well for the former Manchester United superstar.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Ronaldo did not train with Portugal’s substitutes on Wednesday, instead insisting on joining the starters for a gym session.

A win against Morocco in the quarterfinals would give Portugal a quarterfinal clash with either France or England, who also play on Saturday.