Manchester United and its players are among those who have passed on their condolences to Cristiano Ronaldo, who announced that their baby son had tragically died.
The Premier League star was expecting twins with his partner, Georgina Rodriguez.
Their baby girl survived and, in an emotional statement, the couple said her birth “gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness”.
“It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away,” the statement began.
“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.
“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.”
In October, the Manchester United forward revealed he and Ms Rodriguez were expecting twins.
And in December, she revealed the twins would be a boy and a girl.
Ronaldo shares daughter Alana, four, with Rodriguez and also has a son Cristiano Jnr, 11, as well as twins Eva and Mateo, four, via surrogate mothers.
Responding to Ronaldo’s announcement, Manchester United said: “Your pain is our pain, @Cristiano [heartbreak emoji].
“Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time.”
United have since confirmed the 37-year-old will not play a part in the club’s Premier League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday night.
Teammates David de Gea and Marcus Rashford were among the many to send the couple their condolences, as have neighbours Manchester City.
“Thoughts are with you and Georgina, brother,” Rashford wrote on Twitter. “I’m so sorry.”
Ronaldo’s former club Real Madrid said in a statement: “Real Madrid, 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 Rodriguez, were expecting.
“Real Madrid shares in the family’s pain and wishes to send them all of our warmth.”
Liverpool, Leeds and the Premier League were among many others sending the couple messages of condolence on Twitter.
