Cristiano Ronaldo has announced the death of his new-born son.
The Portuguese forward and his partner Georgina Rodriguez, who announced in October last year they were expecting twins, said on Monday one of the two babies has died.
“It is with deep sadness we have to announce that our baby boy passed away,” Ronaldo and Rodriguez said in a joint statement on social media. “It is the greatest pain that any parent can feel.
“Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness,” they said.
Asking for privacy during this difficult time, the couple thanked the doctors and nurses for their expert care and support.
“We are all devastated at this loss,” the post added, “and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
Cristiano Ronaldo already had four children including a four-year-old daughter with Ms Rodriguez.
There was outpour of supportive messages for the Portuguese including from teammates Marcus Rashford, David de Gea, Gary Lineker, Alvaro Morata as well as from both Manchester football clubs among others.
The five-time world player of the year re-joined Manchester United last year after years of successful spells at Real Madrid and Juventus and has been their leading goal scorer once again at the age of 37.
