London, Apr 4 : British director Guy Ritchie has voiced his sadness over ex-wife Madonna's failed Malawian adoption bid, and insisted that the singer is a "great mum".

A judge at Malawi''s High Court in Lilongwe had rejected the 50-year-old beauty's application to adopt Mercy James, a four-year-old girl, ruling that the child should remain in her home country, reports The Telegraph.

In a statement, Ritchie said: "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 and Ritchie adopted David Banda from Malawi in 2006. The couple divorced last November after an eight-year marriage. (ANI)