NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez is speaking out for the first time about his rumored romance with Madonna.
"We're friends — that's it," the 33-year-old baseball slugger told People when asked if there were any sparks between the two.
Romance rumors have been flying for the pair ever since July when Rodriguez's wife, Cynthia, filed for divorce. Madonna and A-Rod reportedly had their "coming out" party on Nov. 26, when, according to E!, the Yankees star passed her a water bottle during a concert stop in Miami.
The pair were also in Mexico City last weekend, although each had their own commitments. The "Material Girl" was performing two sold-out shows in the city during a "Sticky & Sweet" tour stop, while Rodriguez was teaching kids how to bat at a new sports complex built in the suburb of Nezahualcoyotl.
The 50-year-old Madonna, who was granted a preliminary divorce from filmmaker Guy Ritchie on Nov. 21, also reportedly spent time with A-Rod on Thanksgiving Day, however the Yankees star was quick to downplay all of the rumors.
"I've been to two [of her] concerts, yet I've read that I went to 20. I've also read that we were buying an apartment together. That is absolutely ridiculous and not true," he told the mag.
"You have to have a sense of humor when it comes to this stuff," added Rodriguez.
Rodriguez and his former wife have two young children, Natasha, 4, and Ella, 7 months. His relationship with his ex has been portrayed as strained by the media, but Rodriguez insists that is not the case.
"I have a wonderful relationship with Cynthia," he told the mag. "We try to be the best parents we can."
Rodriguez said he and Madonna share "a lot of the same commitments toward helping children," but as for being romantic together, he maintained it's simply not true.
"I have a lot of respect for her," he said of the pop star. "She's very committed to making the world a better place. She's had an amazing career, and we're friends. That's it."
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