Irina Shayk opens up about her split from Bradley Cooper and life as a single mother

Irina Shayk has opened up about her relationship with Bradley Cooper for the first time since their split.

The Russian model first began dating the A Star Is Born actor in spring 2015 and the couple went on to have their daughter, named Lea de Seine in 2017, before announcing their separation two years later.

Throughout their four-year relationship, both Shayk and Cooper kept the details of their life private, with the model once admitting she preferred to keep their romance out of the spotlight.

However now, seven months after their split, Shayk has opened up about why the pair decided to part ways and how it has impacted her as a mother.

In a new interview with British Vogue, the model reflected on the relationship and explained that they were “very lucky to experience” what they had with each other.

“I think in all good relationships you bring your best and your worst – it’s just the nature of a human being,” Shayk said.

“Two great people don’t have to make a good couple.”

She continued: “I think we’ve been very lucky to experience what we had with each other. Life without B is new ground.”

Earlier in the article, Shayk spoke at length about her “tough personality” and her tendency to “cut ties” with those who've wronged her.

“I have a strong personality and I definitely know what I want, and I think some men are scared of that,“ she said, adding, ”If somebody’s out of my life, they’re out of my life and I really cut all the ties, you know? I think some people are really scared of this coldness.”

Despite their split, Shayk and Cooper remain dedicated to co-parenting their daughter and have agreed to both reside in New York City to make life easier.

However, the model admitted that some days are harder than others as a single mother.

“It’s hard to find a balance between being a single mum and being a working woman and provider,” Shayk shared.

“Trust me, there are days I wake up and I’m like, ‘Oh my god, I don’t know what to do, I’m falling apart’.”

This isn’t the first time Shayk has spoken about her thoughts on motherhood.

In an interview with Harpers Bazaar last year, the 44-year-old criticised the idea that women should have to change the way they are when they become mothers.

“Tell me one reason why, just because you’re a mother, you need to wear a longer skirt. No! I don’t believe in that. I really don’t,” she said.

“Why should you have to change who you are and how you feel just because you become a mother?”