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Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez announced Monday the death of their baby son, calling it “the greatest pain any parent can feel.”
The couple announced in October that they were expecting twins, adding in December that the twins would be a boy and a girl.
“It is with our deepest sadness that we must announce that our little boy has passed away. It’s the greatest pain a parent can feel,” the couple said in a message posted to Ronaldo’s Twitter account. “Only the birth of our little girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for their competent care and support. We are all devastated by this loss and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.”
The couple asked for privacy, adding: “Our little boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
Ronaldo will not play in Manchester United’s Premier League game on Tuesday, the team announced. “Family is more important than anything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time,” United said in a statement. “We can therefore confirm he will be absent from Tuesday night’s game against Liverpool at Anfield and we underscore the family’s request for privacy.”
in one tweet, Manchester United added: “Your pain is our pain @Cristiano. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time.” That Premier League tweeted: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone in the Premier League are with you and your family Cristiano.” Liverpool tweeted: “All of us here at Liverpool FC express our deepest condolences to you, Georgina and the family.”
Ronaldo and Rodriguez have a daughter who was born in November 2017 and he is the father of fraternal twins who were born through surrogacy in June 2017. He also has an 11-year-old son with a former partner whom he has not publicly identified.