Carlos Leon thanks Madonna for daughter

Madonna's ex-lover Carlos Leon has said that he is "forever grateful" to the singer for having their daughter Lourdes.

Leon also told People that he has no regrets about their relationship in the mid '90s.

"I'm forever grateful to [Madonna]," said Leon. "I wouldn't change anything. I got the best thing out of that relationship, and that's my daughter. My daughter is everything to me."

The actor went on to admit that he finds it tough to be strict with his 14-year-old daughter, describing himself as a "lenient dad".

"I'm very empathetic, and I'm good at listening to my daughter," Leon explained. "I'm probably a bad dad when it comes to disciplining her."

Leon added that he was not looking forward to the moment when Lourdes starts dating, saying "I'm dreading it so much, because she's my little girl. I want her to stay young forever.

"I'm already overprotective, so when the time comes, I will be ready to have a talk with the guy she brings through the door. He better be ready, because I'll give him the rundown!"