Cristiano Ronaldo named as the greatest Portuguese footballer has confirmed her split with longtime girlfriend Irina Shayk to his family, Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha reported on Jan 16.
According to The Straits Times the Russian model has a "strained" relationship with the footballer's 60-year-old mum.
Meanwhile, a source told Correio da Manha that the ex-couple had a row over Irina's refusal to attend the surprise party Cristiano's arranging for his mum: "Cristiano wanted to surprise his mum and as he spent Christmas with Irina in Dubai, he had planned to be with him mum on her birthday, but Irina didn't want to go. They had such a big row that he ended up spending New Year's Eve alone with his son."
"Dolores thinks Irina wasn't the right woman for Ronaldo's son. She wanted someone who would, in the future, assume the role of mum for Cristiano Jr. That wasn't a priority for Irina," the source added.
Meanwhile, Irina's absence at Zurich on Monday at Ballon d'Or ceremony fueled split rumors are might be true.
The 29-year-old highest football player was awarded his third FIFA Ballon d'Or award and accompanied by his son.
In his speech, Ronaldo thanked his family and teammates, but obviously did not mention about Irina.
"I have to thank my family, all the people who support me and also my colleagues of Real Madrid and Portuguese National team that make me a better player every day," Ronaldo said.
He continued, "I feel extremely happy and proud to receive this award and I want to keep challenging myself every day. 'I have to thank my family, all the people who support me and also my colleagues of Real Madrid and Portuguese National team that make me a better player every day."
On the other hand, Irina's PR representative explained why the model did not attend the ceremomy.
"[The Ballon d'Or] didn't fit in with her schedule," a spokesperson told Goal.com. "It was because of work commitments. We have no further comment to make."
