yesterday he has broken up with his long-time girlfriend, Russian model Irina
Shayk.Related articles “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 rumours about his private life. He did not specify the
rumours, 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
travelled 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 rumours that their relationship
was over. The couple remained silent despite days of intense media speculation. Ronaldo
retained football’s highest individual honour after scoring 61 goals last year.
His record tally of 17 in a Champions
League season helped Madrid win an unprecedented tenth 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 four-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.
