By Tim Parsons-
Christiano Ronaldo’s family have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Liverpool fans for their minute’s applause during the club’s game against Manchester United yesterday, 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’.
Fans, team-mates and many social media users have sent their condolences to the 37-year-old and supporters of rivals Liverpool said they were keen to offer a gesture of their own ahead of tonight’s clash against Man United at Anfield.
The footballing world rallied around Ronaldo following the news.United wrote to their star player, saying: “Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time, Cristiano.”
In a statement released later on Tuesday, United confirmed that Ronaldo will not play against Liverpool.
“Family is more important than everything, and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time,” United said. “As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family’s request for privacy.”
Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford tweeted Monday: “Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother. I’m so sorry.”
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.”
Liverpool fans stand to applaud on seven minutes to show their support for Cristiano Ronaldo following death of baby.
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.
“In all your ways 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.”
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 had announced their expectation of twins last october, and the the footballer’s wife was about three months pregnant at the time, with her due date expected in the spring of 2022. The good news was ruined with subsequent bad news after Ronaldo took to social media to announce his twin son’s passing, saying that their young daughter was the only thing giving them ‘strength’.
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