Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend has denied rumours of a love split, but sources close to the footballer are insisting that they are no longer an item.

Reports yesterday suggested that the Manchester United star had dumped Nereida Gallardo because he was tired of reading about her past romances in newspapers. It also emerged that the model does not get along with his mother Dolores.

Nereida initially refused to speak to reporters about the rumours yesterday. Later, she insisted: "I don't know where this story has come from. I have spoken to him today, as always."

However, one insider told the Daily Star: "In his heart of hearts he still loves her very much but he just can't get his head around all the attention she brings with her. Nereida is a very sexy woman and Cristiano is an extremely passionate man - but he is a possessive man too.

"After much soul-searching, he decided there was just far too much going on around their relationship for him to try to handle."