Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked football fans for their support following the death of his baby boy.
The Manchester United star's team played Liverpool on Tuesday evening, and while Ronaldo was not present at the game Liverpool fans held a minute’s applause as a tribute to Ronaldo and his Georgina Rodriguez, while both sets of players wore black armbands.
Posting to Instagram, the footballer shared a video of the applause with the caption: "One world… One sport… One global family… Thanks, Anfield. Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion."
Ronaldo's sisters also shared the clip to Instagram, with one of them writing: "Thank you for this Liverpool. We will never forget what you did today."
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While the other captioned the post "Way beyond football."
The Ronaldo family announced the tragedy in a statement on Monday, saying: "It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.
"Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you".
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In solidarity with the pro-footballer, the Manchester United team commented on his post, writing: "Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time, @Cristiano".
Meanwhile, Cristiano's former team Real Madrid released a statement following the news, which read: "Real Madrid C. F., its president and board of directors are deeply saddened by the passing of one of the children that our dear Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodríguez, were expecting. Real Madrid shares in the family's pain and wishes to send them all of our warmth."
Cristiano's teammate Marcus Rashford also reacted to the news on Twitter, posting: "Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother. I’m so sorry".
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Ronaldo's oldest son, Cristiano Jr, was born via surrogate in 2010.
He then became father to twins, daughter Eva and son Mateo, via surrogacy in 2017.
Current partner Georgina Rodriguez gave birth to their daughter, Alana Martina, later that year.
The couple met during Cristiano's time at Real Madrid when Georgina worked in a Gucci store. Georgina became pregnant for the second time last year and announced that the couple were expecting twins.
Isobel Pankhurst