Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute during the match against Tottenham. Photo: Twitter @sportbible
Cristiano Ronaldo expresses heartfelt gratitude to Anfield crowd
Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked the Anfield crowd for a moment of ‘respect and compassion’ after they showed support for him and his family.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute during the match against Tottenham. Photo: Twitter @sportbible
There was an incredibly moving moment during Manchester United’s match with Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday as the crowd applauded and sang in tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after the death of his newborn son.
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Liverpool fans had confirmed on Tuesday morning that they were planning to stage a minute’s applause in the seventh minute (No 7 is the famous jersey number of Ronaldo) to show support for the striker and his family during Manchester United’s visit to Anfield.
All in attendance at Liverpool’s home ground did exactly that in a moving minute that transcended the on-field action, with the crowd also singing the trademark song of “you’ll never walk alone” as they applauded and sang in a unified and touching moment.
Ronaldo took to social media on Thursday to express his gratitude for the show of support.
“One world… One sport… One global family,” Ronaldo posted on Instagram, alongside a video of Anfield rising to its feet.
“Thanks, Anfield. Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion.”
Speaking after the game, Jurgen Klopp said the moment was far more important than the end result which went in favour of Liverpool to the tune of 4-0.
“Pretty sure if you ask anybody about it, my moment of the game, even when it was very important and a great result, was the seventh minute when our people showed pure class,” Klopp told reporters.
“The whole stadium together showed pure class, in a moment where we obviously, everybody knew since yesterday, since I heard first time about it, so many things they are much more important in life than football.
“Obviously, we really feel for Cristiano and his family.”
United faced their rivals at Anfield on Tuesday evening, but Ronaldo was understandably not available following his heartbreaking news.
“Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time.
“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. Cristiano, we are all thinking of you and sending strength to the family.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is already father to four children, twins Eva Maria and Mateo, eldest son Cristiano Jr. and youngest Alana Martina.
“It is with deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away,” Ronaldo wrote in a letter posted on his Twitter and Instagram accounts after the death of his newborn.
“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. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.”
Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for United during the weekend’s 3-2 win over Norwich and celebrated his success by placing the ball under his shirt in a clear tribute to his pregnant partner.
Widespread condolences have poured in for Cristiano Ronaldo and his family after the tragic death of his newborn son.
