Madonna Friendship 'Final Straw' in A-Rod Divorce

Alex Rodriguez's wife says his friendship with Madonna was the "final straw" in the breakdown of their six-year marriage.

Cynthia Rodriguez, 34, officially filed divorce papers yesterday saying the marriage was "irretrievably broken" because of Alex's "extra-marital affairs and other marital misconduct".

Although Madonna was not named in the papers, Cynthia's lawyers claimed she did have a role in the break-up.

Days ago Madonna -- who is married to filmmaker Guy Ritchie -- took the unusual step of issuing a statement denying any romantic involvement with Rodriguez

She said, "I know Alex Rodriguez through Guy Oseary, who manages both of us. I brought my kids to a Yankee game. I am not romantically involved with Alex Rodriguez."

Yesterday Cynthia's attorney Earle Lilly said: "She (Cynthia) has tolerated a lot of misconduct, but this one was the straw... the final straw.

"I mean, having her sit in his box at baseball games, and the Kabbalah meetings that have taken place... it's like an open forum. It's just sort of embarrassing if nothing else."

The divorce papers were filed as reports emerged that New York baseball star A-Rod -- one of the biggest sports personalities in the US -- has a secret flat his wife knew nothing about.

It is said to be several blocks from the Material Girl singer's New York home. It was revealed last week how Cynthia was infuriated by the pop superstar's friendship with her husband.

She told friends 49-year-old Madonna had used the Kabbalah cult to lure him away.

Her claims also follow several revelations Madonna is planning to end her seven year marriage to Snatch director Guy.

A source said, "The divorce case will inevitably lead to more speculation about the relationship between Alex and Madge."

Cynthia -- who also claimed in the papers her husband "emotionally abandoned" her and had an alleged affair with a stripper -- is seeking custody of the couple's two girls, Ella and Natasha.

Talking about the divorce papers, Earle Lilly added: "It basically says that she's crushed, devastated by his inability to consent to a reasonable marital relationship with her and a parental relationship with his two children."

In another twist, it was revealed Madonna has introduced 32-year-old Rodriguez to her Kabbalah teacher Eitan Yardeni.

Yardeni has been teaching A-Rod in the mystical religion -- just as Guy is losing interest in the mystical Jewish faith.

A source told a US paper, "The trouble is, Guy has been backing away from Kabbalah.

"You used to see him at the service every Friday, at the main table... but not so much lately."