Russian model Irina Shayk presents a creation from the collection of Desigual during 080 Barcelona Fashion
Russian model Irina Shayk presents a creation from the collection of Desigual during 080 Barcelona Fashion in the Born Cultural Centre in Barcelona, January 28, 2014. Spanish fashion label Desigual is accelerating its expansion in Europe and emerging markets, seeking to ride predictions of fast growth in women's apparel while also taking the colourful brand into new areas like perfume and shoes. The Barcelona-based company is targeting sales of 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) this year, up from about 820 million in 2013 and 440 million four years ago. It is all part of managing director Manel Jadraque's masterplan to build a powerhouse brand to rival those produced by the likes of French luxury group LVMH, where he worked for a decade before joining Desigual as director of operations in 2004. REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino REUTERS

Sports Illustrated model Irina Shayk has spoken out and defended her ex-boyfriend Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo after he was criticised for having a party and celebrating his 30th birthday following the team’s 4-0 loss to rival Atletico Madrid on Feb. 7. Shayk thought that the criticisms on Ronaldo were rather more prejudiced.

Speaking during a Sports Illustrated event as reported by Marca.com, Shayk was quoted saying that it was “unfair” to pass judgment on Ronaldo for enjoying his birthday celebration. The Portuguese footballer originally celebrated his 30th birthday on Feb. 5 but the party took place on Feb. 7, only a few hours after Real was hammered by Atletico in La Liga.

A video of Ronaldo at his party singing with Colombian musician Kevin Roldan on stage made its way online, which angered some Real’s devoted fans. Roldan also shared a snap of him with Ronaldo and James Rodriguez on Instagram. Rodriguez was one of the players spotted at Ronaldo’s birthday party, which was also attended by Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira, Luka Modric and coaches Paul Clement and Fernando Hierro.

Roldan spoke to RCN Radio and said that Ronaldo was really feeling sad about the loss. He added that Ronaldo was far from feeling the party spirit.

“I talked to him before the party and he was a bit sad as they had lost, but it was his birthday,” Roldan said. “But I didn’t have much time with him as there were a lot of family and guests - it was a family occasion, with a lot of children, not a party with women or drinking.”

Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes also came to the defense of the Portuguese footballer. Mendes told Cadena SER that Ronaldo was very “upset” when pictures and videos from his birthday party surfaced online. Mendes said that the party was supposed to be a private occasion.

According to Mendes, Ronaldo didn’t have time to cancel and reschedule the party because all his family and friends who have been invited have already arrived in Madrid. Mendes said that Ronaldo didn’t do anything wrong.

Video source: YouTube/ Djidjomania VIP

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