'Greatest pain': Cristiano Ronaldo rocked by death of newborn son
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced the tragic death of his newborn son.
The Manchester United striker took to social media on Monday to reveal the devastating news, saying he and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez are devastated.
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Ronaldo and Rodriguez announced last October that they were expecting twins - a boy and a girl.
However their son died after Rodriguez gave birth.
Ronaldo said their new daughter is the only thing giving them strength amidst the tragedy.
“It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away," Ronaldo posted on social media.
“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.”
Manchester United tweeted: “Your pain is our pain, Cristiano. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time.”
Ronaldo has four other children - three born through surrogate mothers.
Ronaldo and Rodriguez have one other child together - a daughter named Alana - who was born in 2017.
In October, Ronaldo and Rodriguez posted a photo of themselves holding their scans.
“Delighted to announce we are expecting twins," they wrote.
“Our hearts are full of love - we can’t wait to meet you.”
Ronaldo's eldest son, Cristiano Junior, was born in June 2010 to a surrogate.
In June of 2017, Ronaldo became the father of twins Eva and Mateo in the same way.
Alana Martina, born in November 2017, was the first child from his union with Rodriguez.
"My desire for motherhood is stronger than anything," Rodriguez said last year.
"I hope to have more children."
Ronaldo and Rodriguez rocked by devastating tragedy
Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been together since 2016.
She has followed him from Real Madrid to Juventus and now Manchester United.
"I have achieved incredible things at Madrid," Ronaldo said previously.
"At Madrid, if you don't win everything, other people consider it a failure. This is the expectation of greatness. This is my job.
"But when you are a father, it is a completely different feeling. A feeling that I cannot describe.
"This is why my time in Madrid has been special. I have been a footballer, yes, but also a father.
"There is a moment with my son that I will always remember so clearly. When I think about it, I feel warm.
"It was the moment on the field after we won the last Champions League final in Cardiff. We made history that night.
"When I was on the pitch after the final whistle, it felt like I had sent a message to the world.
"But then my son came on the field to celebrate with me … and it was like the snap of a finger. Suddenly, the entire emotion changed.
"It is a joy that I did not understand until I was a father."
Your pain is our pain, @Cristiano 💔
Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time. https://t.co/24oyEV8CQi— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 18, 2022
Everyone at Manchester City sends our deepest condolences to you and Georgina. 💙
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 18, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced the death of his son.
So so sad, no parent should ever go through this.
RIP little one 🙏 pic.twitter.com/B3GAn6w9E3— SPORTbible (@sportbible) April 18, 2022
Our thoughts are with you. ❤️ @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/u6eOdwTgk1
— 433 (@433) April 18, 2022
Terribly sad news as Cristiano Ronaldo announces the death of his newborn son, one of twinshttps://t.co/qnOHlRtFXV
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) April 18, 2022
Prayers up for Ronaldo and his family. 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/lsEhY5WkI9
— Castro1021 (@Castro1021) April 18, 2022
This pic hits hard when you realize Ronaldo dedicated this celebration to his twins and Georgina only for one to die today😭
Stay Strong Ronaldo, we’re with you 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/sD6QXzHFMj— NUNGUA BURNA ( FACTOS RONALDO ) (@viewsdey) April 18, 2022
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