Rafael van der Vaart admits to striking wife

Hamburger SV midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has admitted to hitting wife Sylvie in a row between the pair on New Year's Eve.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder reportedly engaged in a heated row during an engagement and struck her in front of guests at the party, leading to their separation.

The Dutchman told Bild: "It was very foolish of me. I'm an idiot. I'm very sorry. It should never have happened.

"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."

Sylvie added: "We have unfortunately drifted apart over time. It was a gradual process that was not easy to stop. Even though it sounds weird, we love and respect each other."

Van der Vaart is currently in Abu Dhabi with his German club.