GRIEVING RONALDO BACK IN TRAINING
Star returns as his sisters thank fans
CRISTIANO Ronaldo returned to training yesterday after the death of his baby boy, as his family thanked Liverpool fans for their support.
Manchester United striker Ronaldo, 37, and his partner Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez, 28, announced the loss of their son on Monday. The couple had been expecting twins. Their daughter survived.
After the tragedy Portuguese star Ronaldo missed United’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday.
Supporters of both clubs held an emotional minute’s applause for him in the seventh minute – in tribute to the shirt number he wears. The idea was proposed by a Liverpool fan account on Facebook.
Liverpool fans also sang the club’s anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone.
His sisters Elma and Katia Aveiro later took to social media to say thank you.
Elma, 49, said: “Thank you Liverpool. We will never forget what you did today”.
Katia, 44, added: “Way beyond football”.
In a statement on Monday Ronaldo and Georgina 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. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
After the match, which United lost 4-0, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said the seventh minute applause was the “moment of the game”. He added: “So many things are much more important in life than football. We feel for Cristiano and his family.”
Cristiano was pictured in the back of a people carrier arriving at his club’s Carrington training ground yesterday.
It was the first time the star had been seen in public since the tragedy.
He had scored a hat-trick in his last appearance for United in their 3-2 victory over Norwich on Saturday.
Speaking recently, Cristiano said: “I have millions and billions but the most important thing is family.
“Keep your family healthy and take care of them because this is the most important thing in the world.”
Many things are much more important than football. We feel for Cristiano & his family JURGEN KLOPP LIVERPOOL MANAGER