Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo announces death of newborn son

April 18 (UPI) -- Soccer great Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, announced Monday on social media that one of their newborn twins has died.

"It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away," the Manchester United star wrote in an Instagram post that also was signed by Rodriguez. "It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel."

Ronaldo and Rodriguez revealed in October that they were expecting twins. In December, they announced they were having one boy and a girl.

"Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness," Ronaldo wrote Monday. "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."

Ronaldo's first child with Rodriguez, Alana Martina, was born in November 2017. The 37-year-old Ronaldo also is father to fraternal twins Eva and Mateo, whom he welcomed via surrogate in June 2017.

Ronaldo also shares an 11-year-old son, Cristiano Jr., with a former partner who has never been publicly named.