FOOTIE SPLIT Barcelona star Ter Stegen splits from wife Dani after eight years as pair release emotional statement

The pair have been married for eight years but announced in a joint statement that they are going their separate ways.

The couple have been married for eight years

Dani and Ter Stegen have two children together

They met in 2012 and began dating that year

They met in 2012 and have two children together - Ben, 5, and Tom, 1.

But they have taken the difficult decision to separate and will focus on doing the best for their children.

The couple said in a joint statement: "After careful consideration, Dani and I have decided to go our separate ways.

"This decision was not an easy one, as you can imagine, but we both believe it is the best step for us.

"Our joint focus is on doing what is best for our children, ensuring they continue to have a loving and stable environment.

"We remain committed to working together as parents and treating each other with respect and appreciation as we always have.

"During this personal time, we kindly ask for your understanding and for respecting our privacy - especially that of our children."

Ter Stegen has been out of action since sustaining a knee injury while playing for Barcelona in September.

"Our joint focus is on doing what is best for our children, ensuring they continue to have a loving and stable environment.

"We remain committed to working together as parents and treating each other with respect and appreciation as we always have.

"During this personal time, we kindly ask for your understanding and for respecting our privacy - especially that of our children."

Ter Stegen has been out of action since sustaining a knee injury while playing for Barcelona in September.