Brazil striker Hulk and pregnant 'niece' announce new baby's adorable name

Brazilian footballer Hulk has confirmed he and his ex-wife's niece will call their new child Zaya in a post showing the pretty brunette's baby bump.

The Atletico Mineiro striker risked the wrath of his former spouse by telling Camila Angelo: "I love you so much" as he rested his hands on her tummy.

The pair looked happy and relaxed as they enjoyed some R&R in the sunshine in the landscaped garden of the home they share in Lagoa Santa in the state of Minas Gerais north of Rio de Janeiro.

Hulk, who shocked the world by announcing he was dating Camila after ending his 12-year relationship with ex-wife Iran Angelo in July 2019, said as he cuddled up to her: "Zaya doesn't stop growing.

"Thank you for everything God. I love you so much my darling."

The striker went public again with his feelings for his new partner after she revealed their first child was going to be a girl.

Zaya means fate or destiny. Hulk fathered three children with his ex: Ian, 13; Tiago, 11; and Alice, six.

He spent time with the youngsters over the weekend, taking them to watch him score two goals in his side's 2-0 win over Juventude on Saturday and extend their lead at the top of Brazil's Serie A to 11 points.

Camila was also in the crowd with friends.

Hulk's ex accused the footballer and his new partner of "cutting her flesh like a knife" in October shortly after they announced the pregnancy.

Devastated Iran, who has previously claimed the pain of Hulk's betrayal was so great it felt sometimes like it would tear her heart out, said on Instagram in a thinly-veiled message to the soccer star and Camila: "Lies and disloyalties are like knives.

"They cut our flesh, make us bleed, dry up, die a little inside.

"But for those that have God in their lives, this dying means rebirth.

"I am reborn with each disappointment and each lie that is unmasked because Jesus made me strong."

Iran posted her message to her 507,000 Instagram fans alongside a photo of a clock with the caption: "Only time has the skill to unmask appearances, reveal lies and show someone's true character."

Hulk's ex has previously claimed she treated Camila like her own daughter and said after opening up on her heartbreak when she was ditched by the footballer that she felt like she was "burying her alive".

She raged: "I gave everything to this girl since she came into the world.

"I sacrificed my dreams so many times to make her dreams come true.

"And here I'm not just talking about material goods, because these are easy to give when you have money, but love, affection, attention, respect... everything.

"She knew my weaknesses, insecurities, pain, fears and had my unconditional love.

"She managed my life, and for me everything that she said was good, it was correct, it was ethical.

"She was perfect in everything and I gave her the direction of my life. If I was wrong, my God, it was because I loved and trusted too much."

Hulk announced in September Iran's niece was pregnant with his fourth child.

The footballer confirmed Camila, 32, was expecting in an Instagram post which included footage of them kissing each other and photos of them holding up ultrasound scan photos of the unborn baby.

Hulk, real name Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, married the new woman in his life in September 2020 while the 35-year-old footballer was still playing for Chinese side Shanghai SIPG following his split from the mother of his two sons and daughter.

He wrote alongside an emotional Instagram post showing him lifting his partner off the ground and holding ultrasound photos of their unborn baby: "Today with a heart full of gratitude to God, I come to share with you that for the fourth time I am being blessed with another child

"My heart overflows with so much happiness and I can only say thank you God.

"We are already looking forward to receiving you child, and we love you unconditionally.

"Come full of health my baby."

He also posted a homemade video of him dancing with his wife as he lifted her in his arms and kissed her while she held the hospital snaps.

The footballer, famed for his body strength, reportedly broke the news of his relationship with Camila to his family including his three children with Iran Angelo in December 2019.

A spokesman for the striker said in a statement at the time: "Hulk called the parents and the brother of Camila and told them the truth.

"It was Hulk himself who made the information public because he had nothing to hide. His position is transparency and he wants to avoid lies and malicious comments."

Hulk made his debut for Brazil in November 2009 in a friendly against England and was recalled to the national side for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers after a five-year absence.

He signed for Atletico Mineiro on a two-year contract in January this year after scoring 77 goals in 145 appearances for Shanghai SIPG.

He acquired his nickname due to his likeness to actor Lou Ferrigno, who played the Incredible Hulk on the eponymous 1970s television show.

Iran subsequently spoke out on the "great pain" her ex-husband's relationship with her younger relative has caused her but Hulk has slammed his former partner for "treating me like a monster" and has addressed her allegations of infidelity.

"I never had a relationship with Camila when I was married," the footballer claimed.

"I am a man. I was not happy in my marriage.

"I had countless reasons. I spent my entire marriage betraying Iran. She lived a single life. She just wanted to have the status of wife of the Hulk.

"Camila came to China. I don't think I'm an ugly person and I'm young.

"Camila is young and extremely beautiful. We ended up getting involved. We were single."