Cristiano Ronaldo was given compassionate leave by Manchester United
Manchester United provided Cristiano Ronaldo with a compassionate leave after Portugal forward and his longtime girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, announced the sad news about their baby son on their social media platforms.
This was done to provide the football star with ample time to grieve the death of his baby son-a twin. Ronaldo also missed the last game with Liverpool due to the same reasons.
In their social media post, Ronaldo and his girlfriend Rodriguez stated they needed privacy in these tough times and the only thing giving them the strength to live this moment with ‘hope and happiness is the healthy birth of their twin baby girl.
Just after the news broke out, Manchester United sent their condolences to the couple, stating that family is more important than anything and that they’ll be heeding Ronaldo’s request for privacy in these tough times. With the announcement, the club also announced that Ronaldo won’t make an appearance at Anfield for the Liverpool game.
Manchester United and Liverpool fans send their tributes to Ronaldo
Rivalries were forgotten at Anfield Tuesday when Liverpool and Manchester United fans gathered for a minute of applauding in support of Cristiano Rojo and his family after the tragic death of their newborn son.
Portugal's superstar was absent from the English Premier League match, which Liverpool won by a score of 4-0. He is currently on compassionate leave.
As a sign of respect, players from both teams wore black armbands on Tuesday night. Fans joined together in applauding in the seventh minute. This gesture was originally suggested by Liverpool supporters who sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" at the end.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, sent Ronaldo a touching message and saluted the gesture of the Anfield faithful.
Klopp stated that many things are more important than football in life, we feel for Cristiano's family.
Cristiano Ronaldo returns for training before the Arsenal clash
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training with Manchester United just before their high-voltage clash against Arsenal.
The Portugal star wasn’t seen at the match against Liverpool on Tuesday, where his team was defeated 4-0 at Anfield by Liverpool. Meanwhile, in his absence, both the rivals displayed their class and sportsmanship with a fitting tribute.
Ronaldo, on Wednesday, was pictured driving in a minivan to Manchester United's training grounds the next day. According to reports, Ronaldo participated in a full training session. Therefore, he is expected to play Saturday against Arsenal in the Premier League.
In 16 career matches against Arsenal, Ronaldo has scored eight goals as well as provided two assists. In December, he scored twice in a 3-2 win against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
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