Cristiano Ronaldo confirms breakup with Irina Shayk

Eligible bachelors and bachelorettes rejoice: one of the sporting world's foremost power couples is no longer.

After much speculation over the past several weeks, Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed Tuesday that he and longtime girlfriend Irina Shayk have ended their relationship.

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

"I wish Irina the greatest happiness," Ronaldo added.

The 29-year-old gave no further details in the statement, simply noting that he wanted to end the speculation regarding his private life.

Rumors began to circulate that the couple had broken up after the Russian model did not accompany Ronaldo at the Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich earlier this month, where the Portuguese attacker won his second consecutive award as the best player on the planet.

Something tells us they'll both be just fine.