Ronaldo expresses gratitude to Liverpool fans for showing ‘respect’

Following the death of his infant child, Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he will never forget the “respect and compassion” shown by the Anfield crowd.

During Tuesday’s league game, Manchester United and Liverpool fans united in a minute of applause led by fans in support of Ronaldo and his family.

After seven minutes, Liverpool fans sang their club’s anthem, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ which was Ronaldo’s shirt number.

Ronaldo was not present throughout the 4-0 loss.

“This moment of respect and compassion will stay with me and my family forever,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.

“One planet… One sport… One big family… Thank you very much, Anfield.”

On Monday, Ronaldo and his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez revealed the death of their baby boy, calling it the “worst anguish that any parent can suffer.”

Rodriguez, 28, and the 37-year-old were expecting twins.

Their baby girl survived, and they credit her birth with giving them “the fortitude to live this time with some hope and happiness.”

In honor to Ronaldo and his family, both United and Liverpool players wore black armbands.