LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal
and Real Madrid soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed Tuesday he has
broken up with his longtime girlfriend, Russian model Irina Shayk.
"After dating
for five years, my relationship with Irina Shayk has come to an end,"
Ronaldo said in a written statement sent exclusively to The Associated
Press. "We believed it would be best for both of us to take this step
now."
Ronaldo said he was making the
statement to end speculation about their relationship, and to end recent
rumors about his private life. He did not specify the rumors, but media
in Portugal have reported that Shayk fell out with members of Ronaldo's
family, and that he was seeing another woman.
"I wish Irina the greatest happiness," Ronaldo said.
He gave no further details in the brief statement.
The
couple, both 29, has had huge international success, and their
relationship has featured in newspapers and magazines worldwide. They
were not believed to be living together, as Ronaldo was based in the
Spanish capital while Shayk traveled extensively.
Ronaldo
recently picked up the Ballon d'Or after being voted the world's best
player, but Shayk did not accompany him to the ceremony in Zurich. Her
absence triggered rumors that their relationship was over. The couple
remained silent despite days of intense media speculation.
Ronaldo
retained football's highest individual honor after scoring 61 goals
last year. His record tally of 17 in a Champions League season helped
Madrid win an unprecedented 10th European Cup title.
Born
in the Portuguese island of Madeira, Ronaldo played as a teenager for
Sporting Lisbon before moving to Manchester United in 2003. He
transferred to Real Madrid in 2009, building his reputation and his
wealth through endorsements and sponsorships. He has millions of
followers on social media.
Ronaldo has a 4-year-old son, called Cristiano Junior, but he has never disclosed the mother's identity.
Shayk
won international fame as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, and a
lingerie model. She made her acting debut last year opposite Dwayne "The
Rock" Johnson in the film "Hercules."
Photo credit and New; by
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