Football star Hulk welcomes first child with ex-wife's niece
Brazilian football star Hulk has welcomed a baby girl with the niece of his ex-wife, taking to social media to share the news.
Hulk - real name Givanildo Vieira de Sousa - posted a number of happy snaps on Instagram with daughter Zaya at a Miami hospital.
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The striker called Zaya his “princess” and promised to “love and protect” her.
“Our little Zaya was born under the blessing of God Our Almighty Father," he wrote.
“Zaya means enlightened, luck, flower that blossoms and she comes to bring light and illuminate our lives more.
“Come blossom our home my love. We’ve dreamed about your arrival for a long time. Happy to be able to experience the grace of the promises of God.
“Thank you God for my family that I will honour and love for ever.”
In a direct message to Zaya he added: “You are an answer to our prayers, daughter, you came to make our life even more beautiful. You are our blessing.
“Welcome my princess, I will love and protect you forever”.
Hulk was given permission by Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro to fly to the States for the birth, missing Sunday’s match against Coritiba.
Zaya is Hulk's first child with Camila Angelo, who is the niece of his ex-wife Iran.
He has three other children with Iran - Ian, Tiago and Alice.
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Hulk caused a major stir in 2020 when it was confirmed that he had left his wife of 12 years and started a relationship with her niece Camila.
Iran previously opened up about the “great pain” she suffered as a result of the marriage breakdown, however Hulk denied claims of infidelity.
“I never had a relationship with Camila when I was married," Hulk said at the time.
“I am a man. I was not happy in my marriage.
“I had countless reasons. I spent my entire marriage betraying Iran. She lived a single life. She just wanted to have the status of wife of the Hulk.”
Iran previously stated that she will never forgive Camila.
“I gave everything to this girl since she came into the world,” Iran said.
“I sacrificed my dreams so many times to make her dreams come true.
“And here I am not talking only about material goods, because these are easy to give when you have money, but love, affection, attention, respect ... everything.
“If I made a mistake, my God, it was because I loved and trusted too much.”
Hulk has made 53 appearances for the Brazilian national side, scoring 12 goals.
He has also played for Porto and Zenit Saint Petersburg in a 17-year professional career.
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