Ricky Martin, Carlos Gonzalez Breakup: Why Did Singer Split With Economist Boyfriend?

Ricky Martin welcomed 2014 as a single man, as he and his partner Carlos González have called it quits. "Ricky and Carlos have mutually agreed to end their relationship but continue to be united by friendship and their shared experiences," a rep for the singer told E! News in a statement. The former couple met through a mutual friend and were together for about four years. González, who is an economist and nephew of former Puerto Rican governor Pedro Rossello González, stood by Ricky’s side when he came out in 2010 and was seen next to him on many occasions.

However, he came into Ricky’s life after the singer’s sons, Matteo and Valentino were born via surrogate in 2008. In April 2012, Martin opened up about his now former love in a revealing interview with Vanity Fair. “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. We’re going on four years together ... When I started the process with my sons, Carlos wasn’t in my life. He said: ‘I’m looking for a boyfriend, not a father with a family.’ And I said to him: ‘You’ve found a grown-up, full-fledged man.’ I created a family structure and if he didn’t understand he’d ask me questions and we were on our way. He has a really strong personality. He’s nobody’s puppet.”

Unfortunately, all that love has faded away, and according to People Magazine, a source hinted back in November that the two men were distanced from each other. "They've spent very little time together and have grown apart," the source said. "They've been on the outs for a while now." Ricky, who turned 42 on Christmas Eve, also tweeted some cryptic messages on the week of Christmas. “Changes oh changes,” and “Just because the lesson comes from someone you love, does not mean it is correct” were a few of them. No matter how amicable the break-up was, they’re never easy so we wish both the singer and his ex all the best during these times.