Dias calls for unity in Portuguese media ahead of the last-16 clash

Manchester City defender

has asked Portuguese media to focus on unity rather than trying to drive a wedge in the squad, especially when it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo’s criticism has grown substantially especially after Portugal’s loss against

where the former Man United striker failed to hit the target and was caught offside a couple of times, resulting in his early substitution which he wasn’t happy with.

This led to a poll in the popular newspaper A Bola’s website where 70% of

supporters wanted Ronaldo to be dropped against Switzerland which prompted a stern response from Ruben Dias, saying:

"I actually think you shouldn't ask Ruben Dias that, but you should ask that to Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I'd like to take this moment to say, in this tournament the press is supporting us and Ronaldo, so I'd like to make an appeal to the press; as we progress, instead of creating a divide, create unity, then who knows maybe we'll have good strength and positive energy for all involved."

A possible replacement for Ronaldo would be Milan’s Raphael Leao, who has impressed at the club level recently. When asked about Leao, manager Santos had this to say:

"He has a huge potential, and I think he will have a promising career.

"But of course he faces the difficulties of any player who has a place in a club like his, where he plays more on the left and playing for the club he has more freedom.

"But at national team level, he needs to adapt to the others, to players who excel for their clubs but have a different [role] at the national team."

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