Ronaldo blitzes through break-up with Shayk?

Footballer’s alleged relationship with Spanish reporter Lucia Villalon surfaces days after split from Russian model

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t seem to have dropped back and punted following his recent split from girlfriend of five years, model Irina Shayk. Shortly after their break-up, which was confirmed this weekend, Ronaldo has reportedly moved on to dating Spanish TV reporter Lucia Villalon, reported the Daily Mail.

The 26-year-old sports journalist was pictured celebrating with the Real Madrid player after his third Ballon d’Or win at the annual event on January 12, which Shayk was absent from. Ronaldo, 29, was first linked to Lucia when she posted a photo of the two on her Twitter account, shortly after he received the soccer trophy in Zurich, Switzerland. “There are three! Golden ball congratulations! Zurich 12/01/15,” she captioned the photograph.

Ronaldo’s alleged new flame, who is an avid follower of his career trajectory, is a state broadcaster who graduated with law and journalism degrees. She braved the dipping temperatures and sat in the stands at Ronaldo’s game against Getafe CF on January 18, cheering on the world famous star with a couple of girlfriends. However, their romantic relationship is conjecture till either of the parties makes an official statement.

Shayk’s spokesperson previously stated, “We can confirm Irina Shayk has ended her relationship to Cristiano Ronaldo of five years.” Ronaldo also spoke about parting ways with the Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret model. The football icon wished her with happiness as they both move on with their respective lives, reported The Mirror. “After dating for a long time, my relationship with Irina Shayk has come to an end,” Ronaldo said in a written statement. “We believed it would be best for both of us to take this step now. I wish Irina the greatest happiness.”

Ronaldo insisted that he has managed to shift from being lovers to friends with Shayk post the split, stating he is still on good terms with her. There were reports claiming that the former couple had an argument when she refused to attend his mother’s birthday celebration. Shayk’s representative quashed negative reports and clarified that the pair parted ways harmoniously.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2015.

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