Elisabetta Canalis very 'happy' with George

Elisabetta Canalis has opened up about her relationship with George Clooney, hitting out at ''jealous'' critics of their ''happy'' romance.

George Clooney makes his girlfriend feel like a teenager.

Elisabetta Canalis - who has been dating the Hollywood heartthrob for more than a year - claims her happiness is the best "revenge" against people who are jealous of her romance.

She said: "I am happy like I was when I was 18 years old. Those who criticise or invent stories about us are jealous.

"I have heard of women - even famous women - that due to this relationship removed his photo as screensavers from their computers. But in the end the best revenge over these jealous people is to be happy."

The 31-year-old model-and-actress insists she isn't only attracted to George, 48, because of his good looks and also finds his "humanity and ability in giving to others" very appealing.

Elisabetta has also hit back at criticism she has received in her home country of Italy for dating George, and was particularly unimpressed when she read reports the couple had split.

She told Italy's Vanity Fair magazine: "It might seem a cliche, but unfortunately it is true: the Italians never support their own citizens who earn an opportunity or recognition abroad.

"I don't expect to be celebrated, but neither do I expect the newspapers of our country to use as a reference point a gossip blog which is full of insults, racism and violence."