A-Rod: Madonna & I Just 'Friends -That's It'

Madonna and Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez were spotted in Mexico City over the weekendGetty PremiumAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is speaking out about his relationship with Madonna - but according to the baseball star, it's just a friendship.

"We're friends," A-Rod told recently told People of Madonna. "We're friends - that's it."

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The slugger shot down rumors that he's been jetting around the country to spend time with the Material Mom, who recently split with film director Guy Ritchie.

"I can tell you this," he continued, "I have never been on a plane with her."

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After he was seen handing Madonna a bottle of water during her Miami stop on her "Sticky & Sweet" world tour in November, speculation began that the duo were getting serious with their relationship and taking it public. Not true, according to A-Rod.

"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 said.

Despite the media scrutiny and being hounded by the paparazzi, the 33-year-old is able to keep the situation in perspective with a laugh or two.

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"You have to have a sense of humor when it comes to this stuff... if I answered every rumor, we'd be here for three weeks," he told the mag.

As for his ex-wife, Cynthia, who he divorced in September, the third baseman said they have not been arguing as reported.

"I have a wonderful relationship with Cynthia," Alex said. "We try to be the best parents we can."

Last week, Alex and Cynthia spent the Thanksgiving holiday with their daughters, Natasha and Ella.

"I see my children, honestly, seven days a week, which has been great. We both have a lot of respect for each other and she's a great lady," he continued.

As for Madonna, Alex said he also respects her accomplishments.

"I have a lot of respect for her," he added. "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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