Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his baby son earlier this year.
Ronaldo suffered the loss of his newborn son, one of twins, with partner Georgina Rodriguez in April and he released a statement at the time to share the tragic news: "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. "ur baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you."
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Ronaldo has now opened up about the devastating loss in an interview with Piers Morgan, which will be released in full later this week.
"Piers, it was probably the worst moment that I passed through in my life since my father died," Ronaldo told Piers Uncensored. "When you have a kid, you expect that everything will be normal and when you have that problem it's hard.
"As a human being as I am, me and Georgina, we had quite difficult moments, because we don't understand why it happened to us. It was difficult, to be honest. It was very, very difficult to understand what's going on in that period of our lives.
"As you know, the football carries on, so fast, so many competitions, the football doesn't stop. Passing through that moment, was probably the most difficult moment that I've had in my life, me and my family, especially Gio, that was tough."
Ronaldo also bravely discussed the moment he informed his other children of the devastating news.
"Gio arrived home and the kids start to say where’s the other baby, where’s the other baby," he added. "The other ones in the beginning, around the table, the kids start to say 'Mom where is the other baby.’
"And after one week I say let’s be up front and let’s be honest with the kids, let’s say that, Ángel, which is his name, he go to the Heaven. The kids understand, we had shouts around the table and they say 'Daddy I did this for Ángel' and they point to the sky.
"Which I like the most because he’s part of their lives. I am not gonna lie to my kids, I say the truth, which was a difficult process."
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity). You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk.
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