Portuguese soccer stud Cristiano Ronaldo has shocked fans by announcing he has become a first-time father.
The sportsman, who currently plays for Real Madrid in Spain, revealed the news on Sunday (04Jul10) just days after Portugal were knocked out of the soccer World Cup in South Africa by arch-rivals Spain on Tuesday (29Jun10).
Ronaldo made the announcement by posting a statement on his Twitter.com page, but he has not revealed who the mother of his child is, or any more details about their relationship.
He also hints that he has been granted full custody of the child.
The statement reads, "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 further information will be provided on this subject and I request everyone to fully respect my right to privacy (and that of the child) at least on issues as personal as these are."