Penelope Cruz and Matthew McConaugheyMatthew McConaughey and Penélope Cruz have decided to split up, blaming their careers.

The couple met in 2004 on the set of their film Sahara but decided to split a month ago. A joint statement released by the couple reveals: “[The couple] have decided to take time off as a couple. Due to busy work schedules and so much time apart, they mutually decided four weeks ago that separating was the best thing to do at this time.”

A friend of Penélope’s has confirmed the problem: “They’re very good friends, but they haven’t been able to be together. Who knows what the future holds… [Penélope] said it has been too hard to have a relationship when you see the other person every six weeks.”