LONDON, Eng., Apr.4 (TOTI) --

Even though his marriage to Madonna is over, Guy Ritchie still supports his ex-wife's desire to adopt 4 year old Malawi orphan, Mercy.

A judge in the case has rejected Madonna's bid to adopt the child citing 'residency' as the cause for her decision. Malawi has strict rules regarding how long someone must live in the country before they're able to adopt an orphan and Madonna hasn't fulfilled them. She fell under scrutiny for the same residency issues before successfully adopting David Banda.

Ritchie issued the following statement at RadarOnline about his former wife:

"Madonna is a fantastic and loving mother who cares deeply about her own children, and children who may need additional help and support.
I fully supported Madonna in her decision to apply for this adoption, and I am saddened that her application has been rejected.
She is motivated only by being a caring parent who seeks to share some of the advantages and opportunities that her life has given her. This time it did not work out, but there will be other opportunities and I wish her well in them. She is a great mum."

Madonna has three children - daughter Lourdes, 12, from a previous relationship and two sons with Ritchie, Rocco, 8 and David whom they adopted in 2006.

Madonna's lawyers have appealed the judge's decision to forbid Mercy's adoption and another hearing in the case is expected to take place next week.

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