Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

I was offered money to criticise Cristiano Ronaldo after breakup – Ex-girlfriend

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gemma Atkinson

Atkinson and Ronaldo

By John Ogunsemore

Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-girlfriend, Gemma Atkinson said she was offered “a lot of money” to criticise him after their split.

The popular English radio personality’s romantic relationship with the Portuguese superstar ended in October 2007.

She had previously disclosed that their split, which came as he was wrapping up his first stint with Manchester United, was an amicable one.

In her latest revelation, the 41-year-old influencer said those who wanted to cash in on their breakup offered her money to badmouth him.

“When we broke up, I was offered a lot of money to speak badly about him, and I didn’t want it because I had nothing negative to say about him, so I see no reason to speak ill of him,” she told Key 103 Radio.

She has also maintained that Ronaldo treated her with respect throughout the four-month relationship.

Atkinson said she refused offers from tabloids who wanted her to “sell her story”.