Maybe past that greasy hair and questionable fashion sense is a real softie after all – Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that his heart has been broken by girlfriends in the past.

The Real Madrid footballer opened up about his painful break-ups during a Spanish radio interview.   The tan that can  says  “I’ve received many more knocks to my legs than my heart. But my heart has been hurt. Women have ended relationships with me many times. Luckily I’m a winner and I’ve always got over it.”

The Portu-geezer also paid tribute to former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson, revealing that she helped him to improve his English skills when they dated back in 2007.

He said: “I learned to speak English well with my girlfriend there. I lost my embarrassment. She helped a lot.”

Speaking about his personality, Ronaldo continued: “I’m romantic and sentimental. My mum taught me to be true to myself. Who likes me the way I am likes me and who doesn’t, doesn’t. I won’t lose any sleep.”