Cristiano Ronaldo has been released from Portugal’s squad at the Confederations Cup in Russia to return home after confirming he has become a father for the second time, to twin boys via a surrogate mother.

The Real Madrid superstar announced the news hours after Portugal were knocked out of the tournament following a penalty shoot-out defeat to Chile.

The 32-year-old, who already has a seven-year-old son named Cristiano Ronaldo Jnr, will be allowed to miss his country’s third-place play-off against either Germany or Mexico in order to return home to his newborn sons.

“I was in the service of the National Team, as it always happens, body and soul, even though I knew my two sons were born,” said Ronaldo, in a statement on Facebook.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to achieve the main sporting objective we wanted, but I am sure we will continue to give the Portuguese joy.

“The President of the Portuguese Football Federation and the National Selector had an attitude today that sensitized me and I will not forget.

“I am very happy to finally be able to be with my children for the first time.”

Reports of Ronaldo’s new twins were first reported in the Portuguese media earlier this month, with TV channel SIC reporting: “Mateo and Eva, those are the names of Cristiano Ronaldo’s twins. The boy and girl were born to a surrogate mum. It’s a secret that Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t yet revealed to the rest of the world.”

The 32-year-old, who inspired Madrid to Champions League glory in Cardiff this month, is currently dating Georgina Rodriguez, a Spanish model.