Mike Tindall melted spectators' hearts when he carried his three-month-old baby daughter Mia onto the pitch at a rugby game.
The moment was a particularly touching one for the father and daughter duo, as speculation was strife that Mike, 35, was playing the last match of his sporting career.
© Photo: Getty ImagesMike Tindall and baby Mia
Dressed in an adorable Gloucester team outfit, Mia coordinated with her father's red and white striped uniform. The newborn tot wore a matching white hat and shut her eyes from the glaring rays of sun.
Doting dad Mike looked the expert parent as he carried Mia with one arm, while his wife Zara Phillips, the Queen's granddaughter, proudly watched on. The Olympian horse rider was also pictured cradling her baby daughter as she cheered on Mike from the stands.
© Photo: Getty ImagesZara Phillips and Mia cheered on Mike from the stands
As the athlete strolled onto the pitch, Mike beamed out at the crowds who had come to watch the Aviva Premiership match between Gloucester and London Irish in the Kingsholm Stadium on Saturday. Mike certainly had reason to smile as his team had won 38 to 30.
It is understood that the professional rugby player will officially announce his retirement next week. The England team sportsman posted a couple of comments on Twitter, much to the dismay of his fans.
© Photo: Getty ImagesMike Tindall proudly showed off his three-month-old
"Looks like the last game at Kingsholm has been played, gutted it has to end, good win to finish on though. Love to the #glawsfamily," he wrote.
His tweet caused quite a stir among his 83,600 followers, with supporters leaving comments such as, "Don't go! You've awesome this season as ever!" and "I hope this is not true, we need someone of your calibre to direct the rest of the team.
"Mike immediately responded with another tweet, posting, "Thanks for the messages, I would love to play another year but unfortunately that option is not there for me."
