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    Pep Guardiola and wife Cristina Serra ‘still estranged and will remain so’ despite reports they were rekindling marriage

    MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola and his wife Cristina Serra “are still estranged” and “will remain so” unless anything dramatic occurs, reports in Spain say.It was claimed last month the couple were trying to give their marriage a second chance after Guardiola and his fashion entrepreneur wife spent three days together at their former Barcelona marital home over Easter.Pep Guardiola and his wife, Cristina Serra, remain estranged following their splitCredit: AlamyThings will remain the same unless something dramatic occursCredit: GettyIt was the second time since news of their shock split became public in January that the former Barcelona footballer had travelled to the Catalan capital and spent time with Cristina.Barcelona-based newspaper El Nacional said after the second reunion they were prepared to “give each another chance” and claimed “all was not lost in their marriage.”But the journalists who broke the story of their shock split last night shot down the chances of a fresh start for Pep and Cristina after their decision to call time on their 30-year relationship.Lorena Vasquez, one of a duo of well-respected Spanish showbiz reporters who call themselves the Mamarazzis, went on a Spanish TV show in February to say they had launched divorce proceedings which were “amicable” because they were using the same lawyer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe also linked the split again to the Man City manager’s unexpected decision last November to renew his contract with the Premier League club until 2027.Overnight, shooting down possibilities of a reunion, Lorena’s colleague Laura Fa said on the Mamarrazis podcast: “It’s been speculated recently that there could exist a possibility of a reconciliation because Pep Guardiola had been seen at his house in Barcelona with the woman who is still his wife and their youngest daughter.“We had already explained that despite separating they would continue to see each other as a family.“That’s why after separating Pep and Cristina went to the theatre with their daughter.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“As the talk of conciliation was so strong we have continued to investigate.”Lorena added: “A lot of this has come about one of the visits Pep made to Barcelona when a photographer managed to get a photo of him.Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback “We were able to confirm Pep Guardiola spent three days in the city and slept for at least two nights in the house in Barcelona he bought with Cristina where their daughter still lives.“What we know is that the separation is continuing its course and there’s no reconciliation and as far as Cristina is concerned there’s no attempt at reconciliation.“She was the one who sparked the split and gave Pep a sort of ultimatum and he could still be trying to come to terms with the situation.”Laura said: “The house Pep spends time in when he is in Barcelona is still the family home and will be the place he comes to when he returns to the city to see his children or when there are family events here.“Pep and Cristina continue to have a good relationship.“We don’t have many more details about the couple’s intimacy but we can confirm that they are still separated and there is no reconciliation on the horizon.“The thing is that when there’s a good relationship between a couple who have split, it can sometimes cause confusion.”Lorena Vazquez claimed on Spanish TV ‘Y Ahora Sonsoles’ on Antena 3 channel in February: “The divorce is being prepared conscientiously and they have left it in the hands of people they really trust.“What surprises me the most is that both of them have the same lawyer who is arranging the whole thing.“They want it to be amicable for the sake of their children.”She added: “As you can imagine money is not going to be an issue and they are now agreeing on the initial terms to make sure this separation is the most cordial possible.”She went on to say, when asked why she thought Pep was still wearing his wedding ring: “It’s surprising he’s still wearing his wedding ring and I wouldn’t be able to tell you if it’s a symbol he wants to carry on wearing as a homage to his marriage or as an open door to reconciliation, because what we’re being told is that he would perhaps be more open to that than his wife.“What I’m also being told is that Cristina is suffering with the fact her name has come to the fore.Guardiola’s split from his wife was announced earlier this yearCredit: Getty“She has been a person who has always been in the background who never wanted to be known or recognised as the partner of Pep Guardiola although she is very proud to be married to him.“But seeing herself in glossy magazines and seeing herself as the object of the tabloid press is something she doesn’t like at all.“But we know they are very happy that the news has finally come out, or rather than happy I would say relieved.“We had little information when we first came out with the news but we knew it was true, so much so that they themselves have now transmitted the news to all their close friends because initially they wanted to keep information back about the details of the separation.“They are still keeping that information back but they are confirming to anyone that asks them that they are separated.“Although they don’t like being protagonists in anything, there is certain relief on their part that finally their split has come out, there are no third people involved, and that it’s down to Pep’s contract renovation with Manchester City that became very burdensome and was also a surprise for Cristina.Cristina insisted she was “feeling great” in her first comments since news of their split emerged in January as she was pictured shopping alone in Barcelona.She opted for silence when she was subsequently asked by a Spanish reporter about the cause of their break-up and has refused to comment whenever she has been approached since.The couple’s eldest daughter Maria opened up on her parents’ lessons about love after becoming the first family member to speak since the shock news of their split.The pretty influencer and fashionista said in a Spanish magazine interview published around the same time her dad’s break-up with Cristina emerged: “My parents have always advised me to find what I am passionate about.“They encourage me to try new things, to accept failure and to keep searching until I find my calling, because when I do, full dedication will come naturally.“They also remind me that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.”Read More on The SunThe 24-year-old London-based beauty went on to tell Vanity Fair Spain: “In the end it all comes down to feeling loved.“Even in situations where we feel out of place, they tell me to listen carefully to others, there is always something valuable to learn from each person we meet.” More

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    Jermaine Jenas was ‘prepared to be unhappy for the rest of his life’ to stay with wife before she divorced him

    JERMAINE JENAS has admitted that he would have been willing to be “unhappy for the rest of his life” in order to stay with wife Ellie Penfold.Ellie announced her split with former Tottenham and England star Jenas in March.Jermaine Jenas and wife Ellie split up in MarchCredit: GettyJenas, 42, opened up on his break-up during a podcast appearanceCredit: YouTube/FILTHYFELLASTheir break-up came six months after Jenas was axed by the BBC following a sexting scandal.The 42-year-old was relieved of his services by the Beeb after being accused of sending X-rated texts to two female colleagues.Jenas, who has four children with Ellie, went on to admit to sending the messages, but stressed that the texts were consensual and that he had not broken the law.The former One Show host told The Sun that Ellie was “raging” following the allegations – but that he hoped to work through their issues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn March, however, Ellie took to Instagram to reveal that their marriage was over after 14 years.Jenas, who returned to punditry work with talkSPORT in February, has now opened up on his marriage ending during an appearance on the Filthy Fellas podcast.Speaking candidly about his break-up, Jenas said: “It was her decision and one that I had to accept.”If it was up to me – and I think a lot of men are like this – I’d probably be prepared to be unhappy for the rest of my life if [it meant] I had my kids in it. If I have my kids, I’m quite happy to sacrifice.”Most read in FootballThe former couple have four children togetherCredit: InstagramJenas then went on to add: “It’s a man thing. Relationships are what they are – they have highs, they have lows and people cheat – some people do, some people don’t, but you figure a lot of things out.”The reality is we both were in a position where we were like ‘are we really happy?’Jermaine Jenas says he’s ‘coming back a better person’ as he returns to talkSPORT after ‘inappropriate’ texts”From her side of things, she’d ran the course more than probably me. But I was much more happy to go ‘I’ll be unhappy if I can stay in this house with you and these kids’.”It wasn’t to be for her, so we went our separate ways and that is that.”Speaking frankly about the situation, Jenas said of why he and Ellie broke up: “The reality is, me and my wife haven’t split up because I sent some text messages to some people at work.”We had issues for a period of time, it all comes to a head and you eventually make a decision to say, as adults, we will be better parents for our children if we just remain friends and that’s it.’DRAGGED ME OUT THE GUTTER'”We had 16 amazing years together, me and my wife, how many people last that long? Sixteen years. Ups and downs. She caught the wrong end of my [playing] career, bless her.”She was the one that dragged me out of the gutter when my knee was hanging off, career done. She’s the one that picked me back up and gave me the belief and the strength to go ‘get yourself back out there, I believe in you’.”Upon his return to talkSPORT in February, Jenas vowed to learn from his mistakes.’WORK ON YOURSELF’The former Match of the Day pundit said: “The biggest thing in this whole situation is about taking responsibility and that has been at the forefront of my mind…”There’s a reason why you’re in this position and there’s a reason why this has happened.”Once you accept those things, then you can work on yourself and you can work on the other things and you can work on your family and work towards a brighter future.”Confirming their split a month later, Ellie wrote on Instagram: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.Read More on The Sun”After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. We will remain friends and continue to co-parent.”We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time. Thank you, Ellie.”Jermaine and Ellie are hoping to remain friendsCredit: AlamyEllie confirmed their break-up on Instagram in MarchCredit: Instagram @elliejenas More

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    ‘They get a little bit nervous’ – Canelo Alvarez reveals promise he makes to his daughter before every fight

    CANELO ALVAREZ revealed his kids are his biggest and most nervous fans – until he reassures them with a simple promise.Canelo has two daughters, Emily and Maria and a son named Saul Adiel – with different women.Canelo Alvarez with his youngest daughter Maria and wife FernandaCanelo makes a special promise to Maria before every fightCredit: fernandagmtzCanelo stands next to eldest daughter Emily, left, with son Saul Adiel next to MariaCredit: @canelo All three of the Mexican superstar’s children are regulars at ringside for his fights – but he has to first put them at ease. Canelo, 34, told SunSport: “They get a little bit nervous, but they like it. They scream, they support me with all they have.”I think Maria is the one with more nervous on herself because she says that she don’t want somebody to hurt me or something like that.”And I say, ‘Don’t worry, that’s why I’m here training and do my doing my best here in training camp so that doesn’t happen.'”READ MORE IN BOXINGCanelo had his eldest Emily when he was just 16 with Karen Beltran – and they remain on good terms parenting together.Canelo had son Saul Adiel, six, with Nadia Sepulveda in 2019 and shares Maria, seven, with his current wife Fernanda. The boxing great has dated Fernanda on and off – welcoming their daughter in 2017 – before marrying in 2021.His two youngest are always in the gym with their super-dad – but it is eldest Maria who only truly understands his superstardom.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCanelo said: “I think they realise a little bit, but not the magnitude of what I do or what I am in boxing.”Maybe my older daughter, obviously she’s 17, so she already realised how big I am. But my other kids Adel and Maria, maybe they realise a little bit.”Canelo Alvarez warns he’s ready to bash more Brit rivals with boxing icon ‘dreaming’ of UK debut Canelo is believed to have met his wife Fernanda over ten years ago before they started dating around the time Maria was born. They broke up but later reconciled before marrying and Canelo – who hopes to retire at 37 – revealed Fernanda wants to add to the Alvarez clan.He said: “My wife wants me to retire at 40! Imagine that, and I say ‘No, I don’t, I don’t think so.’ She likes to see me fighting and all that kind of stuff.”And obviously she wants to have more kids and she wants the other kids to see me in training and seeing what I do in the training camps and this and that.”But I say to her, you know, they’re gonna see me in another areas of my life, in my business and that kind of stuff, but we’ll see.”Canelo returns in an undisputed super-middleweight title decider against William Scull in Riyadh – his first bout outside of North America. A super-fight against Terence Crawford, 37, is also expected to follow in September in Las Vegas as part of a four-bout deal with Saudi’s Turki Alalshikh. Canelo’s eldest Emily, far right, with his son Adel and youngest daughter MariaCredit: GettyThe boxing legend with his eldest daughter EmilyCredit: @caneloSaul Adiel and Maria in the gym with CaneloCredit: @canelo Canelo only penned the bumper contract after walking away from a shock fight with 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in May. Talks were advanced for a May 3 bout in Vegas – with news even getting back to Canelo’s youngest daughter Maria. He said: “Maybe her friends told her about the fight.”Because the fathers of her friends told them and everything talking about it – because they don’t know anything about boxing.”That kind of people don’t know anything about boxing and they think Jake Paul is really good fighter. Which he is a fighter, but it’s levels in boxing. “And that’s why my daughter told me, ‘You’re gonna fight with Jake Paul?’ And I said, ‘He’s not on my level my love, don’t worry!'”I think it’s for that fact that people don’t how boxing works.” Canelo still leaves the door open to the spectacle bout – but reveals he is glad the fiasco is now put behind him. Read More on The SunHe said: “I’m very happy. Things happen for a reason and I’m happy with this and I’m gonna enjoy it as much as I can.”Watch the full episode of The Sun’s Split Decision featuring exclusive interviews with Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.Canelo fights William Scull in RiyadhCredit: GettyTerence Crawford is set to fight Canelo in SeptemberCredit: Getty Images – GettyCanelo had to walk away from fighting Jake PaulCredit: Rex More

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    Inside Conor Benn’s glitzy life, from influencer wife to incredible car collection featuring £110k ‘weekend car’ Porsche

    CONOR BENN is on the brink of a career-high payday against Chris Eubank Jr – in a fight sure to boost his already glitzy life. The born rivals renew their family drama at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 35 year after their dads’ first showdown.Chris Eubank Jr facing off with Conor BennCredit: GettyBenn will go to middleweight for the first timeCredit: PABenn with his wife VictoriaThe unbeaten boxer has a love for fast carsThe bruising showdown will be contested at the 160lb middleweight limit – three years after their initial bout was dramatically axed just days before the opening bell.Benn failed two drug tests after testing positive for clomiphene – a substance known to boost levels of testosterone.The son of legendary Nigel Benn vowed to fight his innocence and even headed Stateside – where he racked up two wins at the light-middleweight limit.Benn’s UK Anti-Doping case was later dropped – which allowed him to box in Britain once more while Eubank Jr waited in the wings.READ MORE IN boxing With his own dad being boxing royalty, Benn is no stranger to a luxurious lifestyle,And here, SunSport takes a look at Benn’s charmed life…Living in the fast lane Over the years, he has splashed his cash on an amazing set of motors, including his pride and joy – a Rolls-Royce Wraith worth £260,000.After beating knocking out Chris Algieri in 2021, he was spotted with a £125,000 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG wrapped in gold.Most read in BoxingThe same year, Benn added a stunning £110,000 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S – just like his dad who had a Porsche 911 in the 1990s.It has a personalised licence plate – ‘K013ENN’ – and Benn boasts how it’s his “weekend car.”A gold-wrapped Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG worth £125k is part of Benn’s fleetBenn also splashed the cash on a beautiful Porsche 911Family Guy Benn is married to wife Victoria and they share two children, son Eli and daughter Idony Susanna. The pair began dating in 2017, before tying the knot year later in a private ceremony.She is an author, having written the book Feeling It All which helps kids cope with emotions.Victoria also shares big brand deals on her Instagram page – where she has over 27,000 followers and has her own YouTube channel. In her videos, she take viewers behind the scenes of her boxing star husband’s career.Victoria and Conor welcomed their first child together in 2021, son Eli and daughter Idony Susanna followed last year. Victoria has been married to Benn since 2018Victoria is an influencer and authorThey share a son and daughter togetherFlying privateNot only does Benn travel in style on the road – he does so in the air too. The son of legend Nigel showed off a private jet that took him and a crew to Philadelphia for a DAZN fight night.They then headed to Miami on the US trip and captioned the snap: “PHILLY nights with the team, now on to MIA.”The snaps of his trip left a sour tase in wife Victoria’s mouth who was left at home with the kids.Read More on The SunAmusingly, she commented on the snap: “Meanwhile, Idony just threw up on me 🤣”.Benn completed his training camp to fight Eubank in Majorca – and travelled back to London in a private jet with his team and family. Benn enjoys the use of a private jet when he’s workingCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialBenn was joined by Eddie Hearn on board flights to Philadelphia and MiamiCredit: instagram @conorbennofficialBenn travelled from Majorca to London via private jetBenn enjoyed a sunny training camp in Majorca More

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    Pep Guardiola and wife Cristina ‘giving each other a second chance after Man City boss ‘spent Easter in Barcelona’

    MAN City boss Pep Guardiola and his wife Cristina are reportedly giving things another go after spending Easter together in Barcelona.The pair announced their shock split in January after 30 years together – with divorce proceedings commencing the following month.Pep is not giving up on his marriage to Cristina, sources sayCredit: GettyThe pair pictured in 2023 in Istanbul, married in 2014Credit: GettyCristina moved back to Barcelona in 2019 while Pep continued his work with Manchester CityCredit: GettyBut, following a three-day trip to Barcelona over the Easter break, the couple are now believed to be “giving each other another chance,” according to Catalan newspaper El Nacional – as sources claim that “all is not lost in their marriage”.The pair appeared to start drifting back in 2019, when fashion entrepreneur Cristina moved back to Barcelona to focus on her business interests.But it was Pep’s decision last November to renew his contract with Manchester City until 2027 that reportedly expedited their split.Now, the manager has pledged to visit Barcelona once a week in between fixtures, a source told El Nacional.read more football newsMaria Lapiedra claimed the decision was to prevent them going weeks without seeing each other.The report also states that the couple – who share three children – are still wearing their weddings rings.The rescue operation appeared to kick off last month – amid reports that Pep had returned to the family home in Barcelona for a secret visit.The 54-year-old caught a private jet from Manchester just hours after his team’s 3-1 win against Plymouth in the FA Cup.Most read in FootballA source said: “They spent three nights together in Barcelona, both staying at the family home.“Pep went out on Monday to the dentist and Cristina went to her fashion shop in the city centre.Watch hilarious moment Pep Guardiola tells fan ‘your wife is going to kill me’ after bizarre tattoo stunt “They met up again at the shop and spent three hours there before returning to the house to spend the evening together.“Pep left for Manchester on Tuesday morning.”Pep and Cristina met in 1994 but didn’t marry until 2014 – tying the knot at an intimate ceremony on the outskirts of Barcelona.They had spent the majority of their marriage living separately when Cristina decided to move back to Barcelona with one of their daughters, Valentina.Their other two children, Maria and Marius, remained in the UK with Pep.The pair continued to make things work long distance until their split in December of last year.However, they insisted that things would remain amicable throughout divorce proceedings – and that they would even share the same legal team.Sources said in February that they had already agreed the initial terms of a multi-million pound settlement agreement – which would be finalised in a matter of weeks.Respected Spanish journalist Lorena Vazquez, who broke the story of their split, revealed: “They want it above all to be friendly for the sake of their children.”As you can imagine money is not going to be an issue and they have already agreed the initial terms to make sure this separation is the most cordial possible.”They have a very good relationship, so much so that the same lawyer is arranging the whole thing.”The divorce is on the way and is being left in the hands of people with their absolute trust.”Read More on The SunManchester City declined to comment.Pep’s decision to renew his contract with the club is believed to be a major factor in their splitCredit: AlamyThe manager has made several trips back to Barcelona in a reported attempt to rectify their marriageCredit: AlamyThe couple with their daughter Maria at Wimbledon last yearCredit: APPep kissing Cristina Serra after winning the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 finalCredit: Getty More

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    Who is Joe Thompson’s wife Chantelle Perry and how many children did she share with the late Man Utd footballer?

    MANCHESTER United have paid tribute to former footballer Joe Thompson, who has sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 36.  The club offered their heartfelt support to his family, stating that their thoughts are very much with them during this incredibly difficult time. Here’s what we know about his wife, Chantelle Perry, and their children.Chantelle Perry and Joe Thompson have been married since 2016Credit: Instagram / Chantelle PerryWho is Joe Thompson’s wife, Chantelle Perry?Chantelle Perry is the wife of former English professional footballer, Joe Thompson.The pair married in 2016 after dating for a long time.Sadly, the ex-Rochdale player, who retired at the age of 29 in 2019, faced an uphill battle with his health.He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2024.Read more about Joe ThompsonIn a tribute to her husband, who died on April 17, 2025, Chantelle wrote on Instagram: “Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned. “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.“He was the most Incredible husband,son,brother,friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joes love every single day.”Chantelle added: “It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way!! Most read in Football“He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to god each day whilst still being there for so many others. “He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but It’s now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven.Ex-Man Utd trainee Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for 3rd time and says ‘aggressive’ lymphoma has spread to his lungs “I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!!”Chantelle herself is a beauty entrepreneur and set up the Perriee Spa back in 2015 in Prestwich. By then, she’d already been styling hair for 13 years and had spent the last decade perfecting her own techniques for fitting hair extensions.According to Company House, she still holds a number of senior roles in her beauty businesses, however, she generally keeps a low profile.She was just 27 when Joe was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013, while he was playing for Tranmere. He was given the all-clear a year later, but sadly had to face the disease again in 2017.Chantelle has stood by him since he was diagnosedCredit: Instagram / Chantelle PerrySpeaking in 2019, Joe said he owed so much to Chantelle and their family for standing by him through it all.He told the Liverpool Echo: “I owe it to my body and also to my family who have all seen me go through hell on more than one occasion. “You have all been my light in my darkest days.”Joe said: “It’s definitely going to be a challenge and of course I get really down some days but what I need is people around me to take my mind off it because if I’m on my own for too long I just think about everything too much.She’s been my motivation through some really dark and hard times.Joe Thomspson“I have my loved ones to keep me strong and I’m so lucky to have such a fantastic family.“As a family we’re all really close. On the day I was told I had cancer my daughter just instinctively knew there was something up and she wouldn’t stop crying. It was so strange because the moment the doctor told us she knew something was wrong.“I guess she just knew there was a twinkle in daddy’s eye which wasn’t there anymore. We all slept crammed on the sofa together that night because Lula wouldn’t settle and she usually goes to sleep like clockwork.’How many children did Joe Thompson have with Chantelle Perry?The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Thailula-Lily, in September 2014.The couple share two daughtersCredit: Instagram / Chantelle PErryWhile saying his statement about his cancer returning, he described his wife and daughter, saying: “I would like to thank my wife, Chantelle, who was my rock in my first encounter and will once again be by my side with the same encouragement, discipline and strength. “Not to mention the love shown to me by both my wife and beautiful daughter Thailula-Lily who are both my motivations daily.”A year later, Thompson said about them: “She means the world to me – and my wife. “She’s been my motivation through some really dark and hard times.”She always makes me smile and hopefully she’ll remember that. She sees Daddy as Superman.”Read More on The SunThey had their second daughter, Athena Rae, in 2022.Tragically, in 2024, Chantelle and Joe shared that they had lost their baby son, whom they named Dre Phoenix Thompson. More

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    ‘Love at first sight’ – The sad romance story and split of Schweinsteiger and ‘world’s hottest tennis star’ Ana Ivanovic

    BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER and Ana Ivanovic were the ultimate sporting power couple. One of the best midfielders of his generation who helped his country win the World Cup.Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ana Ivanovic have split up after nine years of marriageCredit: GettyThe couple tied the knot in 2016 in VeniceCredit: Splash NewsIvanovic was the world No1 tennis player in 2008Credit: GettyShe retired in 2016Credit: Instagram / @anaivanovicAnd a tennis superstar, a former world No1 and a Grand Slam champion.But reports in Germany claim Schweinsteiger and Ivanovic have sadly split up after nine years of marriage.Ivanovic is now said to be living in Serbia with their three sons, almost 1,000 miles away from her husband in Munich.It is far cry from the whirlwind romance they enjoyed more than a decade ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFAMOUS FACESSchweinsteiger, 40, is three years older than his glamorous wife. A talented ski racer, he joined the Bayern Munich academy in 1998 and decided to stick with football, making his first-team debut in 2002. He spent 13 years in the Bayern team, racking up exactly 500 appearances, 68 goals and 18 trophies, including a Bundesliga-DFB Pokal-Champions League treble in 2012-13. Ivanovic, meanwhile, began her pro tennis career in 2003 and reached the Wimbledon Junior final the following year.Most read in FootballBy 2007, she was one of the best players on the planet and reached her first Grand Slam final at the French Open.That was followed by a semi-final run at Wimbledon.Man Utd hero Bastian Schweinsteiger reveals his ultimate 5-a-side team Schweinsteiger won the World Cup with Germany in 2014Credit: Action Images – ReutersIvanovic reached the Wimbledon semis and the final at the Australian OpenCredit: AFPHer solo major came at the 2008 French OpenCredit: EPAThen in 2008, the Serbian lost the Australian Open final then enjoyed the high point of her career by beating Dinara Safina to win the French Open and reach the top of the world rankings. It proved to be her only major title – she reached the semis again in 2015, the year she was voted tennis’ “hottest” player – but she racked up nearly £12million in prize money on the court. SPORTING ROMANCEThe peak of the footballer’s professional career came in 2014 when he was part of the Germany team that beat Argentina to win the World Cup final. And just a few months later, his personal life was transformed, too.Schweinsteiger was set up with the tennis star by a mutual friend, who was herself revelling in a resurgent year on the WTA Tour. Schweinsteiger and Ivanovic got together in 2014Credit: GettyThey got engaged within a few monthsCredit: GettyThe German hired out a private park in London to proposeCredit: GettyThe German’s basketball friend Steffen Hamman linked the duo up in New York – but even had two sets of code words ready depending on how the first meeting went: “come on, let’s go for a walk together” or “okay, see you later, Steffen”. Schweinsteiger told Bild: “I wasn’t that good at English when we met, so I listened to Ana a lot at the beginning.”I was a bit on the defensive and saw what was coming.“It was love at first sight. You feel special moments and you can recognise them when you look deeply into someone’s eyes – that’s exactly how it was with me.”PARK PROPOSALAfter overcoming his initial nerves, their love was clearly blossoming.And within just a few months, Schweinsteiger decided to get down on one knee and pop the question – and did so in classy, romantic style. He said: “In London, there are small parks that are only accessible to local residents and then I secretly rented the park from the film called Notting Hill.”Of course I knew that Ana was extremely curious and when we walked past the gate ajar, I said to her, ‘Come on. We’ll see.'”And then we went in there and then I asked her. This came as a complete surprise to her.The couple were together when he was at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPThe couple were all smiles on their joyful wedding dayCredit: Getty”I was able to score a few points with her family by asking Ana’s father for her hand in marriage in Serbian.”I flew to Belgrade and asked.”MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFESchweinsteiger and Ivanovic tied the knot in Venice in July 2016.It came five months after she hung up her racquet in retirement and at the end of his first season with Manchester United.They welcomed their first child, son Luca, in 2018 and Leon was born the following year.Then their third – another son, Theo – arrived in May 2023 and spent time living in Majorca.SPLIT APARTHowever, the shock news from Germany suggested the celebrity duo have gone their separate ways.It is claimed by Bild they broke up around two months ago – partly due to the strain of a lack of time together.Schweinsteiger is now based in Munich but travels a lot for work as a pundit and Champions League ambassador. However, Ivanovic is thought to be in her hometown of Belgrade with the boys near her parents and brother.Despite the rumoured split, the pair still have plenty of joint Instagram posts together. They both feature in a video advert for fashion label Brax on her account as recently as March 28.But, crucially, he is not tagged or mentioned – and they walk away awkwardly from each other in the clip. Read More on The SunIvanovic has posted a whole host of selfies in recent months but her last photo with Schweinsteiger is dated November 25, 2024 – with a smiling photo of the pair on a trip to Vienna. But there is no suggestion at this stage that the couple have filed for divorce at this stage, leaving hope for fans their relationship could be repaired and their love rekindled. Their last photo together was in November 2024Credit: Instagram / @anaivanovicIvanovic posts plenty of photos on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @anaivanovicThe Serbian is said to be living in Belgrade near her parents and brotherCredit: Instagram / @anaivanovicShe is reportedly looking after their three sonsCredit: Instagram / @anaivanovic More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Bastian Schweinsteiger ‘splits from tennis ace wife Ana Ivanovic with couple now living apart’

    ONE of sport’s biggest power couples appears to have called full-time on their relationship.According to reports in Germany, World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger and former tennis world No.1 Ana Ivanovic have split after nine years of marriage.Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ana Ivanovic have reportedly splitCredit: EPAThe sporting superstars have been married for nine yearsCredit: Instagram @anaivanovicSchweinsteiger and Ivanovic are believed to have split two months agoCredit: Getty – ContributorEx-Manchester United midfielder Schweinsteiger, 40, and wife Ivanovic, 37, ended their relationship two months ago according to German outlet Bunte.The couple, who have three sons together, are reportedly living separately after the break up.Schweinsteiger is said to be travelling for work, but is regularly based out of Munich – where he spent most of his playing career as a Bayern Munich star.While Ivanovic is living almost 1,000 MILES away in her hometown of Belgrade, Serbia alongside the couple’s children Luka, Leon and Theo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIvanovic, who won the French Open in 2008, is thought to be living in an apartment near the homes of her parents and brother.Reports from Bild claim that the couple’s relationship began to strain after a lack of time together. The sporting superstars first met back in 2014, with Schweinsteiger dropping the knee in London just a matter of months after their first encounter.They later married in Venice in July of 2016, just five months before Ivanovic hung up her racquet and retired from tennis.Most read in FootballSchweinsteiger and Ivanovic met back in 2014Credit: Instagram @anaivanovicIvanovic is reportedly living in her home country of Serbia near her parentsCredit: GettyThe tennis star is a French Open championCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIvanovic had an impressive career that saw her win 15 career titles and pocket over £11.6MILLION in prize money.While she reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2007, the Australian Open final in 2008 and won the French Open that same year against Dinara Safina.Moment former Man Utd star Bastian Schweinsteiger suffers awkward coffee cup punditry blunder live on TV at Euro 2024 Schweinsteiger spent 18 years as a professional footballer, spending most of his career with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.The defensive midfielder made 500 appearances for the Bavarians, making him their 11th top appearance maker in history.While he won eight league titles, seven German Cups and one Champions League with the club.He later switched the Allianz Arena for Old Trafford in a move to join Man Utd in 2015.He stayed with The Red Devils for two seasons, making 35 appearances and helping United win the League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.He later left the Premier League to join MLS side Chicago Fire in 2017, spending three seasons in the US before retiring in 2019.On the international stage, Schweinsteiger earned 121 caps for the German national side and was part of their 2014 World Cup winning squad.Schweinsteiger proposed to Ivanovic just a few months after the pair metCredit: Getty Images – GettyThey have three sons togetherCredit: AFPSchweinsteiger had a brief spell at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe spent most of his career at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty – ContributorThe midfielder won the World Cup with Germany in 2014Credit: Getty More