Soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo has a son

MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo has become a father, according to his website, although the mother's identity is being kept a secret.

The Real Madrid and Portugal winger says, "it is with great joy and emotion that I inform I have recently become 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."

No date for the birth was given.

The 25-year-old Ronaldo is not married and he has asked for his child's privacy to be respected.

The Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha reported that "the baby's mother is from North America" and she had her baby in early June. It did not give a source.

Ronaldo's agent was not available for comment.

Ronaldo, who last year became the world's most expensive player when he moved from Manchester United to Real, had a disappointing World Cup as his country was eliminated in the last 16 by Spain.

- AP