Netherlands striker Gakpo seeks privacy after partner shares loss of unborn baby

KANSAS CITY, United States (AFP) — Netherlands striker Cody Gakpo is appealing for privacy after his partner, Noa van der Bij, disclosed that their unborn child has died.

Van der Bij shared an image on Instagram showing the couple with joined hands resting above a blanket and a knitted cap. "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."

In a separate post, she published a photograph of a candle beside a cross. "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."

Gakpo, who represents Liverpool and is currently on international duty at the World Cup, issued his own statement on social media. "This is an incredibly difficult time for our family. "We kindly ask for our privacy and space. Thank you for your understanding."

The 27-year-old has featured in every one of the Netherlands' three matches held in the United States so far, scoring state on two occasions. Ronald Koeman's side finished first in their group and face Morocco in the round of 32 in Mexico on Monday.