Rocco snubbed mum Madonna to stay in London ‘because of a girl pal’

MADONNA is at war with ex Guy Ritchie over custody of their son Rocco. But at the heart of the bitter wrangle could be a teenage crush.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 09: Musician Madonna attends the 5th Annual Sean Penn & Friends HELP HAITI HOME Gala benefiting J/P Haitian Relief Organization at Montage Hotel on January 9, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images)

MADONNA’S son Rocco reportedly refused to travel to America to live with the superstar singer after growing close to a 19-year-old student in the UK.

Rocco, 15 — snapped in pink trainers, as he rode his skateboard in London yesterday — did not want to risk his romance cooling if he was in the US, The Sun reports.

Rocco’s girl pal is studying arts at a London college. He is said to be “in awe” of her.

“They got on great. They are similar – a bit ­alternative but very cool and comfortable with who they want to be,” a source told The Mirror.

“She is confident and ­determined and he has grown up in a world where freedom of expression is at the centre of ­everything. They are quite a pairing.

“It would not be a surprise if she is one of the reasons he wants to stay in London. He is at that kind of age.”

Hanging out ... Guy Ritchie with wife Jacqui Ainsley and his sons Rocco Ritchie and David Banda. Picture: Mark Sagliocco/FilmMagic

The smitten teen fled Madonna’s Rebel Heart tour to live with dad Guy Ritchie and his wife Jacqui Ainsley at their homes in London and Wiltshire.

Madge, 57, is furious and went to court two days before Christmas to ask a judge to order the lad home.

Last night the star posted a family snap on Instagram in an apparent dig at ex Ritchie with the caption: “Its possible to be an entertainer and a good mother!!! Too bad we don’t live in a society where many encourage strong independent single working moms! The next great Frontier!”

"Its possible to be an entertainer and a good mother!!! Too bad we don't live in a society where many encourage strong...

Posted by Madonna on Saturday, January 9, 2016

But posh Sherlock Holmes director Ritchie, 47, has hired his own lawyer for Rocco, who has made it clear he wants to stay in the UK.

The teen was also seen cycling with his dad yesterday.

An onlooker said: “He looked happy and relaxed, without a care in the world.”

This story originally appeared in The Sun.