Italian TV presenter Ilary Blasi announced the end of her 17-year marriage to AS Roma legend Francesco Totti in a statement on Monday night, Italian news agency ANSA reports. "After 20 years together and three wonderful children, my marriage to Francesco is over" - read the statement from Blasi - "However, the separation process will remain a private matter and I will not be making any further statements."

"I invite everyone to avoid speculation and, above all, to respect the privacy of my family", concluded Blasi's statement. Totti also appealed for privacy, particularly in relation to his children, telling ANSA: "I tried to overcome the crisis of my marriage but today I understand that the choice of separation, although painful, is unavoidable."