Ricky Martin has broken up with his long-term partner Carlos Gonzalez Abella.

The pair have have been dating for almost five years but a rep for the singer said in a statement that their relationship is now over.

However, it seems they will remain friends despite the split. They said:

"Ricky and Carlos have mutually agreed to end their relationship but continue to be united by friendship and their shared experiences."

42-year-old Martin announced that he was homosexual in 2010 after heightened speculation.

He has two five-year-old twins - Matteo and Valentino - after they were born via a surrogate mother in 2008.

Speaking last April to Vanity Fair meanwhile, Martin said of his former boyfriend: "I have experienced wonderful things with my partner. Complexity, understanding, and, at the same time, freedom, not being afraid that your partner is judging you. That is what I have found with Carlos."