Cody Gakpo requests privacy after death of unborn son

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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.

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Van der Bij posted a picture on Instagram of the pair holding hands over a blanket and knitted hat.

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“With broken hearts, we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy,” she wrote.

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“Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”

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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.

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“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.”

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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.

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“We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding.”

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Gakpo, 27, has started all three of the Netherlands’ games in the United States, scoring twice.

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Ronald Koeman’s team, who topped their World Cup group, play Morocco in the last 32 in Mexico on Monday.

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AFP

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