'One world, one sport, one family': Ronaldo thanks Anfield for tribute after baby son's death

Legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked Liverpool fans for singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' in the seventh minute of the Reds' Premier League clash against his side Manchester United on Tuesday. The Portugal international missed the game at Anfield following the death of his newborn twin son, and fans of both clubs joined in a round of applause in the seventh minute - Ronaldo's number - as a show of support for the Old Trafford hero.

Also read: 'You'll Never Walk Alone': When Anfield came together to mourn for Ronaldo's late baby son

"One world… One sport… One global family… Thanks, Anfield. Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram alongside footage of the moment.

Also see: Ronaldo's post thanking Liverpool fans

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp commended the gesture from his team's supporters after they had defeated United 4-0 on Tuesday night. "I'm 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 said. 

"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," the Liverpool boss had added.

The 37-year-old striker returned to United training on Wednesday and was pictured arriving at their Carrington base on Thursday, the day the Red Devils confirmed Erik ten Hag as their new manager.

Also read: 10 expectations every Manchester United fan has from new manager Erik ten Hag

On Monday, the United legend announced he and Georgina Rodriquez had lost their baby boy shortly after the latter gave birth to twins. Ronaldo missed the derby game as he was on compassionate leave.

Also read: Revealed! Ronaldo and Georgina's moments of joy before newborn son's tragic death

United have a big home game against Arsenal on Saturday, and it seems their talismanic forward will be available for selection. In his last game for the Red Devils, the Portuguese star scored a splendid hat-trick as his side registered a 3-2 win over Norwich City. At the final whistle, Ronaldo took the match ball and put it under his shirt, appearing to reference the fact Rodriguez was due to give birth imminently.

Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez announced back in October that they were expecting twins. Their baby girl has survived. The couple have a daughter Alana, three, and the Manchester United star also has son Cristiano Jr., 11, and twins Eva and Mateo, four.