After 5 Years Of Dating, Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Break-Up With Irina Shayk

Portugal (AP) - Portugal and Real Madrid football star, Cristiano Ronaldo recently picked up the Ballon d'Or after being voted the world's best player, but Irina 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. 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 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.