Gemma Atkinson Reveals She Turned Down Lucrative Offers to Criticize Cristiano Ronaldo After Their 2007 Breakup
British media personality and actress Gemma Atkinson has disclosed that she was once presented with significant financial incentives to speak negatively about her former romantic partner, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, following the conclusion of their brief relationship in 2007. In a candid interview with Key 103 Radio, as reported by Transfer News Live, Atkinson emphasized her refusal to accept such offers, citing her lack of any unfavorable experiences with the athlete.
Atkinson's Stance on Maintaining Respect and Integrity
"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," Atkinson stated during the radio segment. This revelation underscores her commitment to personal integrity and respect, even in the face of potential financial gain from media outlets eager for sensational stories about high-profile celebrities.
Background on the Short-Lived Romance and Its Aftermath
The relationship between Gemma Atkinson and Cristiano Ronaldo, both now 41 years old, sparked considerable public interest nearly two decades ago when they were seen together during Ronaldo's tenure at Manchester United. Their romance, however, concluded in October 2007, after which both individuals have moved on to establish families and successful careers in their respective fields.
Atkinson is currently married to dancer Gorka Marquez, with whom she shares two children: a six-year-old daughter named Mia and a three-year-old son named Thiago. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo is engaged to his partner Georgina Rodríguez, whom he met in 2016 while she was working as a sales assistant at a Gucci store in Madrid.
Ronaldo's Family Life and Personal Milestones
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez have built a family together, including daughters Alana and Bella, as well as twins Eva Maria and Mateo, who were welcomed via surrogacy. Tragically, Bella had a twin brother named Angel who passed away shortly after birth. Additionally, Ronaldo has an older son, Cristiano Jr., from a previous relationship, highlighting the footballer's evolving personal life beyond his professional achievements on the pitch.
This story, originally shared by Linda Ikeji on February 20, 2026, at 9:26 PM, sheds light on the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals connected to celebrities, particularly in the context of post-breakup media scrutiny. Atkinson's decision to reject monetary offers for negative commentary reflects a broader narrative about the pressures and temptations in the entertainment and sports industries, where personal relationships often become fodder for public consumption.
