Back on the market ... Sylvie van der Vaart
Last Updated: 03rd January 2013
SYLVIE van der Vaart has split up with her footballer husband Rafael after he hit her during a furious bust-up.
The former Tottenham ace, 29, struck blonde Sylvie in front of stunned New Year’s Eve bash guests, it is believed.
The Dutchman apologised and said he was “foolish” and an “idiot.”
Gorgeous TV presenter Sylvie, 34, said she forgave him after the heated party row.
But Holland’s answer to Posh and Becks then announced that their seven year marriage was over.
Christmas tweet ... Sylvie, Rafael and Damian
The shock split came just a week after he posted a happy Christmas Day snap on Twitter of them with their son Damian, six.
Rafael - who is now playing for Bundesliga side Hamburg - told German tabloid Bild: “It was very foolish of me.
“I'm an idiot. I'm very sorry. It should never have happened.”
Sexy ... Sylvie van der Vaart
He added: “I am very sad that it did not work with us.
“We are the culprits. Sylvie alone and I have to answer for it, that our marriage does not work.”
The underwear model said: “We have unfortunately drifted apart over time. It was a gradual process that was not easy to stop. Even though it sounds weird, we still love and respect each other.”
Party night ... Rafael with Sylvie and Sabia
Twitter
The glamorous couple wed in June 2005 and Sylvie gave birth to Damian the following May.
On Christmas day, Rafael posted the picture with the cheery caption: “A merry Christmas from me, @sylvievdervaart and Damian!! Hope you all enjoy the holidays!”
So sorry ... Rafael
And hours before the row, Sylvie tweeted a picture of herself, Rafael and pal Sabia Boulahrouz, wife of Dutch player Khalid, at the start of the party.
She wrote: "Hope u all have a great party..."
Bikini babe ... Sylvie van der Vaart
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/4722560/Sylvie-and-Rafael-Van-der-Vaart-split.html#ixzz2GuhZQIEf
