NEW YORK (Reuters) - One of the world's most eligible bachelors is single again.

Hollywood leading man George Clooney, 50, has split with his Italian girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis, 32, after a two-year romance, according to a statement issued by Clooney's publicist on Wednesday.

"We are not together anymore. It's very difficult and very personal and we hope everyone can respect our privacy," said the statement.

Clooney, the handsome star of movies such as "Ocean's Eleven" and an Oscar winner for his supporting role in film drama "Syriana," has been one of Hollywood's leading bachelors since his days on TV hospital drama "ER."

He has been married once, but divorced his wife Talia Balsam in 1993. Since then, Clooney has remained single.

(editing by Bob Tourtellotte)