Cristiano Ronaldo’s family have thanked Liverpool fans for their minute’s applause during the club's game against Manchester United yesterday (Tuesday 19 April), following the news that the footballer’s newborn son had died.
The seventh minute of the Premier League clash saw fans from both sides breaking into applause, accompanied by Liverpool’s poignant anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
Ronaldo’s sister Elma Aveiro shared footage of the moment on Instagram, writing: “Thank you for this Liverpool. We will never forget what you did today.”
Her sister Katia also posted a clip, writing: “Way beyond football.”
In the wake of the tragic news, their mother Dolores Aveiro has also posted a verse from the Bible on Instagram, which said: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
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“In all your way acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths.”
The United forward did not play in last night’s match, but ahead of the game, a Liverpool fan account had suggested on Facebook that fans should hold a minute’s applause for the opposing footballer.
The post said: “If you are lucky enough to be attending the game, please show a mark of respect to Ronaldo and his family by taking part in the round of applause which will be held in the seventh minute. Rivalries should be set aside in heartbreaking circumstances such as these. You’ll Never Walk Alone, CR7 Jr.”
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In a post-match press conference Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “My moment of the game was the seventh minute when the whole stadium showed pure class, so many things are much more important in life than football. We feel for Cristiano and his family."
Rodriguez and Ronaldo publicly announced they were expecting twins on 28 October 2021. Rodriguez was around three months pregnant at the time, with her due date anticipated as being in the spring of 2022.
However, earlier this week, Ronaldo took to social media to announce his twin son's passing, saying that their young daughter was the only thing giving them ‘strength’.
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A statement from both him and Rodriguez said: "It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. 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."
The couple concluded by asking fans for 'privacy at this very difficult time', adding: "Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you."
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Jess Hardiman