Real Madrid star Ronaldo a new father: He will raise son on his own

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has made the shock announcement he is a father to a new baby boy.

A shock announcement appeared on the former Manchester United star's website claiming he had become a father.

It appeared in English and Portuguese in the early hours today on the 25-year-old Real
Madrid striker's website, Twitter and Facebook pages.

It said: "It is with great joy and emotion that I inform I have recently become a father to a baby boy."

"As agreed with the baby's mother, who prefers to have her identity kept confidential, my son will be under my exclusive guardianship."

Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha said the baby's mother is from the US and gave birth at the beginning of June.

His family are preparing the paperwork to bring the child to Portugal where he will be raised, it reported.

It said a friend of the footballer had confirmed his mother Dolores and sisters Elma and Katia are preparing the documentation to bring the child to Europe.

In 2009 Ronaldo spent his summer holidays in Los Angeles and Miami after signing for Real Madrid from Manchester United for a world record £80million.

He was reported to have bedded four women in four days during the trip, having just dumped long-term Spanish girlfriend Nereida Gallardo by text message.

However, if the report in Portugal is correct the baby must have been conceived around September last year when the star was already playing for the Spanish giants.

Ronaldo's management company Gestifute confirmed the footballer's announcement was genuine, Correio da Manha added.

He has refused to reveal the mother's identity, insisting she prefers to have her identity "kept confidential", and says the baby will be raised under his "exclusive guardianship".