'I'm an idiot': Rafael and Sylvie van der Vaart pictured as they announce split after he apologises for hitting her

By Sarah Fitzmaurice

Published: 03:59 EDT, 2 January 2013 | Updated: 10:22 EDT, 2 January 2013

• Couple announced split day after New Year's Eve bash
  
• He apologised for striking her and she said he was forgiven
• Pair have been married since 2005

Rafael van der Vaart has been pictured in Abu Dhabi the day after apologising for hitting his wife in a fight on New Year's Eve.

The Hamburger SV footballer, who is in the Middle East for a training camp, branded himself an 'idiot' after he allegedly struck his wife at a private party.

Van der Vaart told German newspaper, Bild: ‘It was very foolish of me. I’m an idiot. I’m very sorry. It should never have happened.’

Split: Sylvie and Rafael van der Vaart have announced the end of their marriage after he apologised for hitting her during a party on New Year's Eve

Support: Sylvie was seen on Wednesday leaving a restaurant in Hamburg, Germany, alongside her friend Sabia Boulahrouz

Sylvie told the newspaper that she forgave him, but the couple later announced they had separated.

She said: ‘I ​​have forgiven him already.'

The couple, once dubbed the new Beckhams thanks to their good looks and respective successful careers, announced their split on Tuesday.

Group hug: The couple were seen sharing a hug with a friend on New Year's Eve before the footballer allegedly hit his wife

Shock split: Rafel van der Vaart and wife Sylvie have split up, according to reports. The footballer posted a picture of the couple with their son Damian on Christmas Day

According to Germany's Bild newspaper, Hamburger SV footballer Rafael said: '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.'

Meanwhile Sylvie is quoted as saying: '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.'

The split comes just a few days after the 29-year-old footballer posted a snap of his family celebrating Christmas together.

In the picture he is seen sharing a warm embrace with Sylvie, with their son stood smiling in front of them.

Hot topic: The footballer was swamped by journalists as he made his way to a football training camp

Making time for his fans: The star was seen posing for pictures with two female fans

Bild reports that the pair's relationship split comes following a heated argument on New Year's Eve. A spokesperson for the couple was unavailable for comment earlier today.

The couple wed in 2005, before welcoming their son the following year.

In 2009 Sylvie revealed she was suffering from breast cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy to fight the disease.

Speaking about being diagnosed at the time she said: 'All the luxuries in the world are no protection against that moment when you are told the diagnosis. Then you are just a woman.'

After losing her hair Sylvie wore a wig, before her husband persuaded her to appear on the German version of Strictly Come Dancing without it.