The football world gathered around Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez on Tuesday after they announced the death of their newborn son.
In a social media post last October, the 37-year-old Manchester United forward had revealed that the couple was expecting twins.
Ronaldo released a post yesterday on his Twitter account, confirming the birth of a baby girl.
“It is with our deepest sadness that we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel,” Ronaldo and Rodriguez said in a jointly signed statement.
“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.”
The announcement was met with widespread sympathy from across the globe as football clubs and players sent their condolences.
“Your pain is our pain, Cristiano,” Manchester United tweeted. “Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time.”
On their web page, Real Madrid said that the club and its officials “deeply regret the death of one of the children that our beloved Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, were expecting.
“Real Madrid joins the grief of the whole family and wants to show them all our love and affection,” the Spanish giants said.
“Thoughts are with you and Georgina, brother I’m so sorry,” forward Marcus Rashford wrote on Twitter.
Goalkeeper David de Gea responded to Ronaldo’s announcement with a simple heart emoji.
