Penelope Cruz has never received a Valentine`s Day card. The 34-year-old actress - who doesn`t like talking about her private life - has always been left disappointed on the romantic day.

She said: "I do not like talking about love. It is too revealing. But I have had so much love in my life, and I am always open to it. Valentine`s Day cards means nothing to me. I have never sent one - and never had one. I never talk about romance. I`m afraid of what might come out if I talk. There was gossip about Matt Damon and myself after we made the film `All the Pretty Horses.` We said there was no truth in it but we kept getting asked about it. I thought: `Why do we have to explain? It is not right that I am being asked if I am with someone or not. I like to think I have a proper view of love. Age does not come into it. I love older people and I love children"

"I have been lucky: love has always been there. My father and my mother, Eduardo and Encarna, brought me and my sister, Monica, and brother, Eduardo, to love and appreciate each other. A close family is very important. It can set you up for life."