Australian cricket star Shane Warne’s wife confirmed she is separating from her husband after intense media speculation that the blond spinner was involved in another sex scandal, reports said on Monday.
The record-breaking 35-year-old bowler had begged his wife to take him back after they split over his repeated extramarital affairs, weekend news reports here said.
They also showed photographs of the cricketer with a protective arm around his wife taken during the past week while they were holidaying together in Spain, leading to speculation a reconciliation was on the cards.
However, the Simone Warne made clear the announcement of the separation made nine days ago still stands.
”Due to the increased interest and misinformation, I wish to confirm that Shane and I are separating,” Simone said in a statement issued late on Sunday to Channel Nine television, which employs her husband.
”We are on a previously planned family holiday in Spain and we are trying to sort out what is best for our children.
”We have always tried to protect them and we will continue to do so. My priority right now is to get my family back to Australia.”
The couple announced their separation last month after British tabloid newspapers reported the cricketer had had affairs with other women.
Warne (35) has been linked to three different women since arriving in England in March to play county cricket.
”Through all of this I am finding it difficult to deal with the continual media speculation,” Simone Warne wrote in her statement.
”This is something Shane and I need to resolve in private. Please respect that in this time I need to dedicate my energy to my children. When the time is right for me, I will talk to you all, but just now right now.”
Sydney’s Daily Telegraph reported on Monday that Warne was prepared to pay generous alimony to his wife and their children — Brooke (7) Jackson (5) and Summer (3). – Sapa-AFP