Ritchie: 'Madonna is a great mum'

Guy Ritchie has praised Madonna's parenting skills following her failed bid to adopt a second Malawian child.

The 50-year-old singer heard yesterday that a judge at the African country's High Court had ruled that four-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James should stay in Malawi. Madonna's lawyer has since confirmed that an appeal has been lodged against the decision.

Ritchie, who divorced Madonna last November, said in a statement that he was saddened by the denial, says The Daily Telegraph.

"Madonna is a fantastic and loving mother who cares deeply about her own children, and children who may need additional help and support. I fully supported Madonna in her decision to apply for this adoption, and I am saddened that her application has been rejected," the statement read.

"She is motivated only by being a caring parent who seeks to share some of the advantages and opportunities that her life has given her. This time it did not work out, but there will be other opportunities and I wish her well in them. She is a great mum."

Madonna and Ritchie adopted David Banda from Malawi in 2006, when a law requiring prospective parents to be resident in the country for 18-24 months was waived.