Lisbon, Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he has broken up with his long-time girlfriend, Russian model Irina Shayk.

Ronaldo said on Thursday 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 rumours that their relationship was over.

Ronaldo, 29, reportedly dumped his model girlfriend over Christmas after she refused to attend a 60th birthday party he was organising in his native Madeira for his beloved mum Dolores.

The footballer is said to have spent New Year's Eve alone with his son Ronaldo Jr after the couple’s trip to Dubai ended with a massive argument.

Meanwhile, Spanish sports reporter Lucia Villalon is rumoured to be dating Ronaldo after the pair were pictured celebrating the striker’s third Ballon d’Or win on their way back from Zurich.

The Pretty brunette, who was in Zurich, fired up rumours after posting a selfie on Twitter of her and Ronaldo holding his Ballon d'Or on the plane to Madrid.