Ronaldo breaks up with girlfriend

Cristiano Ronaldo
confirms he has
broken up with his
longtime girlfriend,
Russian model Irina
Shayk.

Ronaldo says on
Tuesday in a written
statement to The
Associated Press, "After dating for five years, my
relationship with Irina Shayk has come to an end.

"We believed it would be best for both of us to take
this step now."

He says he is making the statement to end
speculation about their relationship and his private
life.

Ronaldo recently picked up the Ballon d'Or after
being voted the world's best football player, but
Shayk did not accompany him to the ceremony in
Monaco. Her absence triggered rumors that their
relationship was over.