SUPERSTAR Cristiano Ronaldo has become a father after a fling with an American woman.
The surprise news appeared on the Real Madrid star's website, announcing his delight at the arrival of the baby boy.
The message also appeared on his Twitter and Facebook pages.
It read: '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 claimed the baby's mother is from the US and that she gave birth a month ago.
It is also claimed that Ronaldo's mother, Dolores, and sisters Elma and Katia were dealing with the paperwork necessary to get the child to Portugal.
The paper said that Ronaldo's management company, Gestifute, confirmed the footballer's announcement was genuine.
The surprise news appeared on the Real Madrid star's website, announcing his delight at the arrival of the baby boy.
The message also appeared on his Twitter and Facebook pages.
It read: '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 claimed the baby's mother is from the US and that she gave birth a month ago.
It is also claimed that Ronaldo's mother, Dolores, and sisters Elma and Katia were dealing with the paperwork necessary to get the child to Portugal.
The paper said that Ronaldo's management company, Gestifute, confirmed the footballer's announcement was genuine.