Cristiano Ronaldo confirms split with Irina Shayk: Real Madrid star linked to Spanish TV reporter Lucia Villalon

Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he has broken up with his longtime girlfriend, Russian model Irina Shayk.

Rumours that the couple have split started after the 29-year-old supermodel unfollowed him on Twitter. She did not come to support Ronaldo when he was honoured with the prestigious Ballon d'Or title for the third time, at a ceremony held in Zurich, Switzerland last week.

Ronaldo, who has been dating Shayk since 2010, did not mention her in his acceptance speech as well.

"After dating for five years, my relationship with Irina Shayk has come to an end," Ronaldo said in a written statement to Associated Press. "We believed it would be best for both of us to take this step now. I wish Irina the greatest happiness."

It was previously reported that Ronaldo split from Shayk after she refused to attend his mother's 60th birthday party.

Meanwhile, the newly single Real Madrid star has already been romantically linked to Spanish TV reporter Lucia Villalon.

Rumours that Ronaldo and the 26-year-old host for Real Madrid TV are dating started after she posted a photo with the striker, posing with the Ballon d'Or trophy, on her Instagram account.

"We speak about sport and not romances on this channel," the club spokesperson told The Mirror.