Real Madrid's Portuguese star striker sparks rumours after referring to his Russian supermodel companion as 'wife' during his speech at the FIFA Ballon d'Or award ceremony
MUMBAI: Real Madrid football ace Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday night sent rumour mills soaring with news of his alleged marriage to Russian model Irina Shayk, according to media reports.
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The 28-year-old footballer, who was last night named World Player of the Year, was joined by his 28-year-old girlfriend and supermodel Irina Shayk on stage at the Ballon d'Or award function and during his acceptance speech he referred to the supermodel as his wife, a leading UK tabloid said on Monday.
The Portuguese star was also joined on stage by three-year-old son Cristiano Ronaldo Junior.
Ronaldo and Irina Shayk at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony. Pic/AFP
Presented with the prestigious Fifa Ballon d’Or at a glittering ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland, the Real Madrid striker turned emotional. Fighting back tears, he said, “First of all I have to say a great thanks to all of my team-mates with the club and the national team.
“Without all their efforts it would not have been possible.
“I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award.
“Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment.”
It's likely that Ronaldo, who has been dating Irina since 2010, blurted out the secret since he was overwhelmed by the situation.