Cristiano Ronaldo 'very happy' at birth of son

Ronaldo has a dissappointing World Cup

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is "very happy" after becoming a father for the first time, according to reports.

The former Manchester United player became a father on June 17, two days after Portugal played the Ivory Coast in the World Cup, a newspaper report in Portugal said.

His youngest sister, Katia Aveiro, speaking from Vilamoura, in the Algarve, confirmed the birth to the Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias.

She said: "He is very happy, of course, who wouldn't be happy to have children?"

She said the baby boy has dark eyes and hair like his father.

Ms Aveiro told the newspaper that Ronaldo would make an official announcement after he had returned from Madrid, where he is dealing with professional matters.

She did not give the baby's name.

Ms Aveiro confirmed the birth to Diario de Noticias.

"The news is true, but he doesn't want to talk about it. It's his personal life and when he wants to, he will talk," she said.

The newspaper said Ronaldo, who is 25, had travelled to the Algarve immediately after his team was knocked out of the World Cup to be with his newborn son.

It was reported that the baby's mother is believed to be American but her identity has not been revealed.

A statement posted yesterday on what is billed as Ronaldo's official Facebook page said: "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."