Ronaldo pays tribute to his son after scoring against Arsenal
(Picture: REUTERS)Cristiano Ronaldo poignantly paid tribute to his late baby boy after scoring his 100th Premier League goal on his Manchester United return on Saturday.
The Portugese star and his partner Georgina Rodriguez announced the tragic news on Monday that one of their newborn twins had died.
The 37-year-old missed the next game against Liverpool on Tuesday but returned to the pitch on Saturday afternoon for a clash against top-four rivals Arsenal.
After scoring a goal in the 34th minute, Ronaldo raised his left arm and pointed to the sky in a heartfelt tribute to his son.
The north London club ended up winning the tie 3-1 but Ronaldo received a standing ovation from both sets of fans at the Emirates Stadium on various occasions.
The striker caused shockwaves after revealing that his “baby boy had passed away” in a heartbreaking post on Instagram on Easter Monday.
He said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce 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 strength to live this 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.
“Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
Responding to the news, teammate Marcus Rashford wrote: “Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother. I’m so sorry.”
Match of the Day host and former England striker Gary Lineker said: “Terribly sad news. Sincere condolences to you and your family.”
Ronaldo and Ms Rodríguez share their daughter Alana together while Ronaldo also has son Cristiano Jnr and twins Eva and Mateo.
Ronaldo has scored 16 goals this season following his long-awaited return from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
