Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram on Thursday to celebrate welcoming his new baby daughter into his family home.
Manchester United striker and partner Georgina Rodriguez shared the tragic news earlier in the week that her newborn son, her daughter’s twin, had died.
In a statement, the couple said: “Only the birth of our little girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.”
Three days later, Ronaldo shared a picture of himself with his baby daughter after she and Rodriguez left the hospital and came home.
Ronaldo captioned the photo: “Home sweet home. Gio and our little girl are finally with us.”
The family were offered messages of support from the football community and beyond after the heartbreaking news about their son broke on Monday.
Liverpool and Manchester United fans at Anfield gave a one-minute applause to show their solidarity with Ronaldo and his family.
Ronaldo’s message on Thursday added: “We would like to thank everyone for all the kind words and gestures.
“Your support is very important and we have all felt the love and respect you have for our family.
“Now is the time to be thankful for the life we just welcomed into this world.”
Ronaldo already had four children and they all featured in Thursday’s family photo.
Cristiano Ronaldo pictured holding his newborn daughter while sitting next to Georgina Rodriguez and her family
Instagram/@cristiano
His eldest is 11-year-old Cristiano Jr., who currently plays for United Academy.
Four-year-old twins Eva and Mateo were welcomed via surrogate in June 2017 before Alana Martina became Rodriguez’s first biological child with Ronaldo in September of that year.
Ronaldo missed Tuesday’s United game at Anfield, which Liverpool won 4-0, but is expected to return to the team for Saturday’s trip to Arsenal.