CRISTIANO RONALDO has paid an emotional tribute to best pal Jose Semedo following the sudden death of his wife.
Semedo’s wife Soraia, 34, passed away on Thursday morning following health complications caused by an infection.
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Ronaldo rushed to support his close pal – a former team-mate at Sporting Lisbon early in their careers – straight away.
And Ronaldo has now broken his silence on the tragedy on Instagram.
The Manchester United star, 36, shared a sweet picture of himself and partner Georgina Rodriguez enjoying a meal out with Jose and Soraia.
Ronaldo captioned his post: “There are times when everything takes a back seat, including football.
“Last week, unexpectedly, a fantastic human being left, our dear Soraia, a wonderful mother and wife of one of the best friends that life has given me.
“Nothing can erase the pain of my brother Jose Semedo and the whole family.
“But we are together, today as always, in time to face this very difficult time.
“Rest in peace, my friend. We’ll never forget you.”
Ronaldo became friends with ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton midfielder Semedo at Sporting Lisbon’s youth academy.
They’ve stayed close ever since and have even gone on holidays together down the years.
Semedo even claimed he ‘owes Ronaldo everything’ for keeping him on the straight and narrow as a youngster.
Jose has previously said: “I owe Ronaldo everything. If it wasn’t for him I would have been expelled from the academy and returned to the neighbourhood when I grew up.
“Many of my childhood friends are in jail or have got hooked on drugs.
“Nothing makes me think I wouldn’t have followed the same path.
“I owe my sporting career, my children and my wonderful life to Cristiano.”
It’s said Ronaldo phoned his footballer pal – now at Portuguese side Vitoria – to comfort him and offer his support following Soraia’s sudden passing.
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