George Clooney has confirmed that he and his Italian girlfriend of two years, Elisabetta Canalis, have split.
In a statement released in London, the actor said:
"We're not together anymore. It's very difficult and very personal, so we hope that our privacy is respected."
This news comes just weeks after 32-year-old model, Canalis, gushed about her "fairytale" romance in a magazine interview.
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She spoke to Italian magazine, Chi, about her desire to marry, which could have played a part in the breakdown of their relationship, according to reports:
"I am a firm believer in marriage; in the future I will be married.
"But for the time being I am happy as I am. I donÂ’t need anything to confirm how happy I amÂ… I am very happy at the moment, thanks to my man, and my fairytale is continuing."
Clooney has, however, insisted that he will never walk down the aisle again, following his four-year marriage to actress Talia Balsam:
"I tried marriage and it didnÂ’t work.
"I have had long relationships with women and they get bored with me working all the time.
"My fear is that I would make a lousy husband and I donÂ’t want to put myself, or anyone else, through the pain of finding out. If I was my girlfriend, I wouldnÂ’t put up with me for very long."
The couple got together in 2009, first stepping out together at the Venice Film Festival.