Ronaldo’s family thank Liverpool and Man United fans after they unite for moving tribute

Cristiano Ronaldo’s family have thanked the Liverpool and Manchester United fans who came together to pay tribute to the footballer’s son.

During the seventh minute of Man United’s Premier League match against Liverpool last night, Liverpool supporters sang the team’s anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as United fans gave a round of applause in tribute to the footballer’s newborn twin son who sadly passed away.

Ronaldo himself wasn’t in attendance as a result of the tragedy, with Manchester United officials earlier confirming on the club’s website: “Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time.”

Following the moving tribute from the historic rivals, Ronaldo’s family have spoken out and expressed their gratitude for the support demonstrated during the match.

Cristiano’s sister Elma, who lives in his native Madeira, expressed her gratitude on social media, sharing footage of the gesture and writing: “Thank you for this Liverpool. We will never forget what you did today.”

His other sibling Katia posted her own message of thanks from her home in Brazil, sharing a different video of the tribute alongside the simple caption: “Way beyond football.”

And his mother Dolores quoted a verse from the Bible on Instagram, writing in Portuguese: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your way acknowledge Him And he shall direct your Paths.”

Ronaldo, who has four older children with girlfriend Georgina Rodríguez, announced the news of the tragedy late on Monday night.

In a statement, the footballer explained that while their newborn daughter survived, her twin brother didn’t make it. He wrote: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.

“It is the greatest pain that any parent can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.”

Ronaldo went on to thank the doctors and nurses for ‘all their expert care and support’, before asking for privacy during this ‘very difficult time’. 

The statement concluded: “Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”

Manchester United posted a short statement on Twitter following the announcement, writing: “Your pain is our pain, Cristiano.”

His teammates Marcus Rashford and David de Gea also posted their own tributes, with Rashford writing: “Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother. I’m so sorry.”

Rivals Manchester City also sent their well wishes, writing on Twitter: “Everyone at Manchester City sends their deepest condolences to you and Georgina.”

Similarly, Liverpool FC posted: “All of us here at Liverpool FC send our deepest condolences to you, Georgina and the family.”