Ronaldo pays tribute after death of close friend Jose Semedo's wife aged 34

Cristiano Ronaldo has uploaded a heartfelt tribute to the late wife of close friend Jose Semedo after she died suddenly at the age of 34.

Soraia, wife of Jose, tragically passed away on Thursday morning after health complications caused by an infection.

She was pronounced dead in the early hours at Curry Cabral Hospital in Lisbon, while Ronaldo has reportedly made himself available to his close friend Semedo around the clock as he grieves.

The Manchester United superstar addressed the tragedy publicly for the first time via Instagram, a touching post accompanied with a heart-warming picture of Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez enjoying a meal out with Jose and Soraia.

The Portuguese football icon wrote: "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 has been friends with Semedo since the pair first met while both plying their trades for Portuguese outfit Sporting, the duo coming through the academy ranks together.

They have remained friends ever since their youth and have gone on a number of vacations together with their respective families.

Semedo has previously credited Ronaldo for ensuring he remained disciplined while an academy player, explaining: "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."

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Semedo's respective families have enjoyed a number of vacations together (Instagram/cristiano)

Semedo has enjoyed a decent playing career himself, with some of it also spent in England at Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton.

He currently finds himself back in his home country of Portugal at Liga NOS outfit Vitoria.

Semedo's most recent Instagram post shows him embracing Ronaldo after the recent international clash against Ireland, where the 36-year-old became the highest scoring player in international football history.

The caption read: "King, one of the words I most use when I talk to you is thank you but it's a thank you that will never become banal.

"It's a heartfelt thank you, a thank you for giving joy to all us Portuguese because with you it's possible to live experiences that not even in our best dreams we could imagine."