Ronaldo has become a father?

London, July 4 (ANI): Cristiano Ronaldo has become the father of a baby boy, according to an announcement on his website.

The statement appeared on the Real Madrid footballer's official site, and on his Twitter and Facebook pages, in the early hours of this morning, reports News of the World.

The message on Ronaldo's Internet page does not name the mother, but says the child will be under his 'guardianship'.

It was unclear whether the statement was genuine or the work of a hoaxer.

It says: "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."

Ronaldo, 25, has recently been linked to 24-year-old Russian swimwear model Irina Shayk. (ANI)