Madonna ends marital rift rumours by asking Ritchie for a divorce

London, June 27 : Giving the strongest signal yet of her fractured marriage to Guy Ritchie, Madonna has told her director hubby that she wants a divorce, according to a friend.

The singer took the decision after the couple admitted to each other that their seven-year marriage was ruined simply because they had fallen out of love.

"They were both very calm. Madonna told Guy: 'I'm sorry, I want a divorce'. And he agreed. It was quite painless but very sad," The Mirror quoted the friend, as saying.

Guy is currently holed up alone in his country mansion, hoping against the odds that he can save his doomed marriage to Madonna.

Friends say that though he agreed to Madge's request for a divorce, Guy still hopes that the final break can be avoided.

"He's a bit down in the dumps, and who can blame him. He's off to the country to get a bit of peace and quiet," a pal said.

Both Guy and Madonna have talked to divorce lawyers to make sure that the break-up is orderly and as amicable as possible.

Guy has taken informal legal advice from Forsters, a top London firm specialising in divorce and family matters, while the pop diva has hired Fiona "Steel Magnolia" Shackleton who handled Paul McCartney's split from Heather Mills.

ANI