Real Madrid fans paid a special tribute to their all-time record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo during Saturday’s La Liga clash against Espanyol.
The Manchester United star and his partner Georgina Rodriguez confirmed the heartbreaking news of the tragic death of their baby boy earlier this month, describing their newborn baby boy as an “angel” while adding that their baby daughter was giving the two "strength" amid the emotional pain. Ronaldo sat out United’s trip to Liverpool following the news but has returned to the pitch since – netting in his side’s games against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Saturday was the first time that Real Madrid had played at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium since the tragic news, with their fans marking the seventh minute of the clash by chanting the name “Cristiano”. Ronaldo remains a much-loved and admired figure in the Spanish capital, due to his exploits with the club between 2009 and 2018.
Having joined from United 13 years ago, Ronaldo went on to obliterate the all-time record scorer numbers at Real Madrid. Previously held by striker Raul Gonzalez’s tally of 323, the Portuguese superstar netted a scarcely believable 450 goals in just 438 appearances for Los Blancos.
Ronaldo also won 15 trophies during his nine years at the Santiago Bernabeu, including four Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns, before going on to join Juventus in the summer of 2018.
The 37-year-old United forward confirmed his heartbreaking personal news on 18 April, on behalf of himself and partner Georgina Rodriguez said: "It is with our deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our baby boy. It's the greatest pain any parent 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. Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez."
Georgina first met Ronaldo while working as a shop assistant for Gucci while the forward was plying his trade for Madrid. She has formed a close bond with Ronaldo's other children in Cristiano Jr, 11, twins Mateo and Eva and gave birth to their first child together Alana before falling pregnant again last year.
Ronaldo's girlfriend spoke candidly earlier this year about how well the family were adjusting to life back in Manchester after the forward's return to Old Trafford. Speaking to Spanish magazine Hola, Georgina said: "I haven’t felt much change because we practically have the same conditions as in Italy and we have a marvellous home. The good thing is that we live nearer the children's school. In Italy we lived further away."
"I haven’t noticed much difference. When you move with your family and you move everything you feel at ease. With our conditions we can’t complain, quite the opposite. We are very grateful."
