Cristiano Ronaldo recently scored his 60th treble and seemed to be ready for Manchester United’s traditional duel with Liverpool FC. But on Monday evening, the 37-year-old made a heavy blow of fate public.
On Tuesday evening, Manchester United will meet Liverpool FC – it is the most traditional match the Premier League has to offer. The clash between the record champions (20 titles) and their closest rivals (19 titles) at Anfield would have been the perfect stage for someone like Cristiano Ronaldo to show off.
Twin son dies at birth
But the 37-year-old Portuguese and his partner suffered a blow of fate much heavier than any football match. The day before the Liverpool showdown, CR7 announced via his social media channels that one of his two newborn children had passed away. “It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce that our baby boy has died. It is the greatest pain parents can feel,” Cristiano Ronaldo wrote.
Apparently, their son did not survive the birth of twins. “Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to have some hope and serenity in this moment,” it continued. “We will always love you,” the parents write in memory of their lost son.
60th triple against Norwich
On Good Friday, the attacking player had fired the team around coach Ralf Rangnick to a 3-2 home victory against bottom side Norwich City, when Ronaldo scored a treble after leading 2-0 and an equaliser by ex Schalke player Teemu Pukki. It was the 60th time he has done so in his unprecedented career.
