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Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo has asked for “privacy and space” following the loss of his unborn son, which was announced by his partner Noa van der Bij.
Van der Bij posted a picture on Instagram of the pair holding hands over a blanket and knitted hat.
“With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy,” she wrote.
“Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”
She also posted a photo of a candle and cross with the message: “We went to church to light a candle. Afterward, we walked to the church playground with our son, Samuel.
“There was only one other child there. His name was Elijah. There could not have been a more beautiful sign from God. He reminded us that our little boy is never far away.”
In a post of his own, Liverpool forward Gakpo, who is on World Cup duty, wrote: “This is an incredibly difficult time for our family.
“We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.”
Gakpo, 27, has started all three of the Netherlands’ games in the United States, scoring twice.
Ronald Koeman’s team, who topped their World Cup group, play Morocco in the last 32 in Mexico on Monday.
