Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that one of his expected twins has died.
The Manchester United forward shared the tragic news in a message posted on his Instagram and his Twitter on behalf of himself and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez.
Ronaldo and Rodriguez had announced that they were expecting twins in October last year.
In the post shared on Monday night the 37-year-old said that the other twin, a girl, had been born safely, giving the pair "the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness."
The announcement read: "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.
"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."
The post has been flooded with messages of condolences from famous friends and fans alike.
His mother, Dolores Aveiro, shared a single emoji of a face weeping tears.
In a message written in Portuguese, Brazilian footballer Felipe Melo said: "God knows all things, I'm sorry legend."
Piers Morgan - who struck up an unlikely friendship with the star after interviewing him in 2019 - wrote: "Heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to you and all your family."
Marcus Rashford said on Twitter: "Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother. I’m so sorry."
Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake said: "So sorry my friend."
David De Gea, Alvaro Morata, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Diogio Dalot were among the other football stars to leave tributes on the post.
Sporting Lisbon, where Ronaldo began his senior professional career before being signed by Man Utd in 2003, said: "A lot of strength @cristiano. The Sportinguista family is with you."
And Manchester United's official account said: "Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time, @Cristiano."
A fan added: "So sorry to hear this - my condolences and best wishes to you, Georgina and your family."
Ronaldo is already a father to son Cristiano Jr, 11, as well as twins, daughter Eva and son Mateo, both four, which he had with the help of a surrogate mother in June 2017.
He had his first child with Rodriguez, daughter Alana Martina, in November that same year.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, last seen in action scoring a hat-trick against Norwich on Saturday, met his current girlfriend while she was working as a sales assistant in a Gucci store.
Rodriguez hails from the tiny Spanish village of Jaca, with her Argentine ex-footballer father, Jorge, and Spanish mother, Ana.
She spent time in England before meeting the Old Trafford icon and learned English, spending time in places such as Bristol and Bath before returning to Spain and working in high-end retail.
The striker has hinted that he will make an honest woman of his partner in future, telling ITV in 2019: "We’ll be [married] one day, for sure.
"It’s my mum’s dream as well. So, one day. Why not? It’s great. She’s my friend.
"We have conversations. I open the heart for her and she opens the heart for me."
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