Sanchez ends relationship with long-term girlfriend

Alexis Sanchez has announced a shock split from long-term girlfriend Mayte Rodriguez.

The Manchester United superstar announced the decision to part ways in an emotional post on Instagram, highlighting some of the better times the pair shared together.

Sanchez presented the pictures of himself and the 29-year-old actress in a Powerpoint-style show reel with the backing of a sad love song.

He wrote on the post: “I wish you the best of the world it was beautiful to have met you and to share nice moments with you, but we decided that each one should follow their own path, to seek our dreams.

“I do not usually do this but I ask respect from all those who speak without knowing to do harm because behind everything there is family and children… respect.”

There were reports earlier this year that the couple had called time on their relationship, when they deleted pictures of each other from their personal social media accounts.

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But Sanchez took to Twitter to play down those rumours, writing: “Why is there so much evil and envy in these people?

“Is it necessary to hurt a couple, family, friends etc … with so many lies?

“I wish you happy and that there is not so much evil in your hearts. KARMA do not bother my partner RESPECT.”

Sanchez has been suffering from a torrid time both on and off the pitch.

Since joining Manchester United in January, the Chilean has struggled to replicate the form that made him one of the Premier League’s top players.