MLB star Albert Pujols announces divorce days after wife’s brain surgery

MLB star Albert Pujols has announced that he and his wife are splitting up, days after she underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour.

MLB star Albert Pujols has announced that he and wife Deidre are splitting up, days after she underwent successful surgery to remove a brain tumour, the NY Post reports.

“I’ve been asked a lot of questions over the past few days regarding what’s been going on at home and sadly, after 22 years of marriage, I have made the decision to file for divorce from my wife, Deidre,” Pujols said in a statement released by his agent, Dan Lozano.

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“I realise this is not the most opportune time with Opening Day approaching and other family events that have recently taken place. These situations are never easy and isn’t something that just happened overnight.”

This off-season, Pujols signed a one-year deal to return to the Cardinals, where he previously played from 2001 to 2011.

He and Deidre had been married since 2000.

“As a devout Christian, this is an outcome that I never wanted to see happen,” Pujols continued in his statement. “For many long days and nights, I prayed, asking the Lord for His guidance.”

Albert Pujols of the Los Angeles Angels next to his wife Deidre. Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

Albert Pujols speaks during a press conference. Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images

Pujols concluded his statement by noting that he and Deidre “remain committed” to raising their five children “in a loving and safe environment”.

“I am thankful for the five beautiful children that we brought into this world and remain committed to raising them in a loving and safe environment. I ask that you please respect our privacy and the privacy of our five children during this time.”

Last season, Pujols hit .236 with 17 homers as he split time with the Dodgers and Angels.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as MLB star Albert Pujols announces divorce days after wife’s brain surgery