In Abu Dhabi, Rafael van der Vaart has been seen the day after extending an apology for hitting his wife during a New Year’s Eve altercation.
The former Spurs footballer is currently in the Middle East for a training camp and labeled himself an ‘idiot’ after allegedly striking his wife at a private gathering.
Van der Vaart expressed: ‘It was very foolish of me. I’m an idiot. I’m very sorry. It should never have happened.’
Sylvie mentioned that she had forgiven him, yet the couple later revealed their separation.
She stated: ‘I have forgiven him already.’
Last week, the couple, often referred to as the new Beckhams due to their striking looks and successful careers, disclosed their split.
Hamburger SV footballer Rafael shared: ‘I am very sad that it did not work with us. We are the culprits.’
‘The failure of our marriage is solely on Sylvie and me.’
Meanwhile, Sylvie has been quoted saying: ‘We have unfortunately drifted apart over time. It was a gradual process that was not easy to halt. Even though it sounds strange, we still love and respect each other.’
The announcement of their split arrives shortly after the 29-year-old footballer shared a family photo celebrating Christmas together.
In that image, he is seen in a warm embrace with Sylvie, while their smiling son stands in front of them.
Reports indicate that the couple’s relationship deteriorated following a heated disagreement on New Year’s Eve. Earlier today, a spokesperson for the couple was not available for comment.
The couple tied the knot in 2005, welcoming their son the subsequent year.
In 2009, Sylvie revealed her battle with breast cancer, undergoing both surgery and chemotherapy to combat the illness.
Reflecting on her diagnosis at the time, she stated: ‘All the luxuries in the world are no shield against that moment when you hear the diagnosis. At that point, you are just a woman.’