WC star Gakpo requests privacy after death of unborn son

KANSAS CITY, JUNE 28: Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo has asked for "privacy and space" following the announcement by his partner Noa van der Bij that they had lost their unborn son.

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."    �"AFP