Colin Farrell says he hasn't dated in four years

LOS ANGELES, April 27 (UPI) -- Colin Farrell has been single for the past four years.

The 38-year-old actor revealed as much in an interview with The London Times published Sunday. Farrell was once linked to such high-profile women as Britney Spears and Angelina Jolie, but told the publication he is too busy with work and fatherhood to pursue romance.

"I have not dated for ooh, four years now," he confessed. "It's just not happening, what with the work, the kids and my life. I know it's not what people expect to hear, but that's the honest truth."

"It's not all about you anymore, which is a relief," he said of having kids. "It's about a bigger world, and helping them find their place in it ... It's not about 'me, me, me the loudmouth' anymore -- and that takes the pressure off me to live up to those expectations."

Farrell was rumored to be married after he had an unofficial wedding ceremony with actress Amelia Warner in 2001. The actor has an 11-year-old son with model Kim Bordenave, and a 5-year-old son with Odine co-star Alicja Bachleda-Curus.

Farrell will star as compromised detective Ray Velcoro on season two of HBO series True Detective, which released a moody first trailer earlier this month. The actor is also scheduled for Solace with Abbie Cornish and The Lobster with Rachel Weisz.