George Clooney was like a father, says Elisabetta Canalis

Elisabetta Canalis has spoken out about her split from George Clooney, describing the Ides of March star as being like a father to her.

Canalis and Clooney announced their break-up in June this year after two years of dating, and the Italian television personality addressed their split in journalist Bruno Vespa's new book Questo Amore.

"He has been special for me, and very important, just as a father would be," Canalis said, according to People.

"Between us there was more of a father-daughter relationship," she explained. "I was unable to clarify this up 'til now."

Canalis also addressed rumours the couple split because of Clooney's unwillingness to start a family, and insisted the relationship ended simply because of 'personal needs'.

"George and I never spoke of marriage nor of having kids," Canalis clarified. "I don't put limits to the possibility of having them but neither George nor I had ever envisaged having kids together."

Clooney recently spoke out in defence of Canalis after it was reported she had been harassing him with angry text messages.

Watch George Clooney in the trailer for The Ides of March below: