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Football

19th Apr 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo to miss Manchester United game with Liverpool after baby death

Steve Hopkins

‘Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time’

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Manchester United’s game with Liverpool on Tuesday night after the death of one of his newborn twins, the team has confirmed in a statement.

“Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time,” Manchester United wrote.

“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.”

Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez revealed their heartbreak on Instagram on Monday night, saying they were “devastated” at the loss of their son, calling it the “greatest pain that any parents can feel”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcgHsWLLaf5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=ff0d5d22-6b49-4d33-a71d-cc5c50181caa

“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 coupe wrote.

“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.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVk29cSI-2E/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=08ae3dbe-80ba-488e-926a-0c9107cb25f8

Liverpool supporters are planning to hold a minute’s applause for Ronaldo and Rodriguez on Tuesday night as a mark of respect.

Fans on social media are encouraging those attending the game to mark the seventh minute – a reference to Ronaldo’s shirt number – with applause.

“If you are attending the game tomorrow evening, then please show a mark of respect to Cristiano Ronaldo and his family by taking part in the round of applause which will be held on the seventh minute,” one supporter wrote on Facebook. “Rivalries should be set aside in heartbreaking circumstances such as this.”

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