Amy Pejkovic’s candid update after split from footy star boyfriend

After announcing she’d split with her footy star boyfriend, Amy Pejkovic has given a candid update to fans about “being single at 31”.

After announcing her “mature break-up” from an Aussie footy star, Amy Pejkovic has opened up about the reality of being “single at 31”.

Pejkovic had been dating retired Essendon star David Zaharakis for four years after reportedly meeting on Instagram during the Covid pandemic.

But the pair recently went their separate ways in what the model and influencer said was an amicable split.

After moving back to Sydney from the home they shared in Melbourne, she’s now revealed she has in fact taken up her old room in her parents house, describing the situation on TikTok as “embarrassing”.

“I’m single at 31 and that is definitely not something I ever thought I would be saying,” she states in a new video filmed inside her car.

“When I was younger, I thought I would be married with kids and have my house at this age and instead my partner of four years and I have decided to go our separate ways.

“I have moved back to Sydney with my parents, where I am semi-treated like a 14-year-old, as my mum has forgot that I know how to live.”

The former high jumper, who overcame a brain tumour after being diagnosed at age 19, went on to describe how she has found herself comparing her circumstances to others of a similar age.

“The first thing I think of is that at 31, so many of my friends are in happy relationships, with kids and marriage,” Pejkovic continued.

“I’m so happy for them, but I look at myself and wonder how I am just not where I thought I would be.

“It’s certainly a hard pill to swallow, a really, really hard pill to swallow – especially moving into my parents house.”

Amy Pejkovic recently confirmed her split from David Zaharakis. Picture: Brendan Beckett

But while the influencer has moved back to Sydney, she has since explained she is living with her parents. Picture: Instagram/AmyPejkovic

She also explained that the bedroom she’s living in is the same as when she left it at 18, adding that she “wants to find my own place, but Sydney rentals are ridiculous at the moment”.

“I can’t afford to spend $600 to $900 a week, plus I think I want to go travelling, and live between Sydney, Melbourne, LA and London,” she added.

A study of 17,000 people by the Melbourne Institute earlier this year showed there is a dramatic increase to the number of people moving back in with their parents.

According to the research, 54 per cent of men and 47 per cent of women aged 18 to 29 are currently living with their parents.

This is an increase of 12 per cent and 15 per cent over the past two decades.

Once a young adult moves out of home they are unlikely to return, although the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey found about 3 per cent of men and women in that age cohort did.

“Rates of return to the parental home are particularly sizeable for those aged 18–21, with 8.4 per cent of men and 8.1 per cent of women in this age group moving back in with their parents over the 2018 to 2020 period,” the report read.

Followers were quick to support Pejkovic, telling her not to rush through life.

“Met my husband at 33. I’m 41 with two kids now. Totally in love. Happy every day that I waited and removed the timeline expectations! You’ve got this,” one shared.

“To be honest I think this is more of a congratulations moment than a ‘I’m so sorry’ moment. You’ll find your feet, and you’ll be excited about life again soon,” another agreed.

As another shared: “Having kids and marriage doesn’t define happiness, this is an opportunity for you to create a new life.”

Pejkovic, 31, shared a video detailing the ‘embarrassing’ reality of being ‘single at 31’. Picture: TikTok/AmyPejkovic

‘We decided we’d be better as friends.’ Picture: Jason Edwards

Her candid admission comes after Pejkovic confirmed the break-up, telling the Herald Sun: “We decided we’d be better as friends. I’m proud of how we’ve handled it.

“We weren’t as compatible as we thought we were. I loved him with all my heart and I have so much admiration for him and still love him.”

Zaharakis, who has been in Taupō, New Zealand for the Ironman World Championship 2024, thanked his fans for “all the messages and comments” in on his Instagram Stories.

The break-up comes after the former AFL star sold his northeast Melbourne party pad for $3.565 million.

Their last public appearance was at the 2024 Caulfield Cup in Melbourne on October 19.

Originally published as Amy Pejkovic’s candid update after split from footy star boyfriend