Netherlands

Frank Rijkaard Announces Separation

Despite being out of football for some time, Frank Rijkaard still interests the media and he has earned headlines again by announcing that he is to split from his wife Monique.

Dec 30, 2008 12:35:51 PM

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Frank Rijkaard has officially separated from his wife Monique after 19 years of marriage, the couple have confirmed after several months of rumours about their relationship.

The 46-year-old former Barcelona coach is taking a year out from football after leaving Camp Nou last summer and has now opted to make the split in his private life public.

Frank and Monique have a son and a daughter together, while the Dutchman also has a daughter from a previous marriage, and the pair will hope to make their separation as smooth as possible to help the kids.

"It is a decision reached by mutual agreement based on their respect for each other," Sport quote a spokesman for the couple as stating.

"Monique and Frank do not wish to give out any further information about this private matter and they would like to ask the media to respect that."

Rijkaard could be back in the public eye at the end of the season when he is expected to return to football after receiving a number of coaching offers.

The most attractive plan, however, could be to take over at AC Milan from Carlo Ancelotti, as has been widely rumoured.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com