Ronaldo's mother denies Atkinson's claims

Gemma Atkinson has been accused of inventing her romance with footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo's mother Dolores Aveiro has claimed that the Man United star has never been involved in a relationship with the former Hollyoaks actress.

Atkinson announced that she was Ronaldo's girlfriend in January but he has not confirmed the romance and they have never been pictured together.

"He doesn't have a girlfriend," Dolores insisted. "I put my hands in the fire as he did not go with the girl people say is his girlfriend. I don't know her and don't care if she's beautiful."

A friend of Gemma's told The Sun: "Ronaldo's mother is probably just being protective. I've seen the texts they send and they're definitely boyfriend and girlfriend. Gemma's a down-to-earth lass and not interested in him as a publicity stunt."