Ritchie doesn't 'regret' Madonna marriage

By WENN.com | Monday, November 28, 2011

The pair ended its eight-year union in 2008 and both Madonna and Ritchie have since moved on to find love with new partners Brahim Zaibat and Jacqui Ainsley, respectively.

However, the Sherlock Holmes director reveals he'd never take back those precious years with the pop star because he was given two special gifts - biological son Rocco, now 11, and the couple's adopted kid David, six.

He tells Details magazine, "I enjoyed my first marriage. It's definitely not something I regret. The experience was ultimately very positive. I love the kids that came out of it, and I could see no other route to take. But you move on, don't you?"

But he admits the marriage had its challenging moments: "I stepped into a soap opera, and I lived in it for quite a long time. I'll probably be more eloquent on it 10 years from now."

And although the two eventually parted ways, Richie admits he's learned a lot from his time with Madonna.

He adds, "When you end up with a lot of the things you set to out to chase and find that you've stumbled into all sorts of hollow victories, then you become deeply philosophical. I'm quite happy that that experience was accelerated for me. I'm glad I made money, in other words. And I'm glad I got married."

Ritchie recently added to his family - his model partner Ainsley gave birth to a ba! by boy i n London in September (11).