More details about Albert Pujols divorcing his 22-year-old wife are beginning to leak out.
On Monday, Pujols announced that he would file for divorce. The announcement came days after news that his wife Deidre had had successful surgery to remove a brain tumor.
Tuesday, TMZ reported that Pujols cited “irreconcilable differences” on the filing and that the couple have been separated since February. Albert and Deidre Pujols share five children, and the MLB hitter has reportedly filed for joint custody of the three minors.
“I’ve been asked a lot of questions over the last few days about what’s going on at home and unfortunately after 22 years of marriage I’ve made the decision to file for divorce from my wife Deidre,” Pujols said Released his agent’s statementDan Lozano.
“I realize this is not the best time as Opening Day is approaching and other family events have been happening recently. Such situations are never easy and nothing that just happened overnight.”
Albert Pujols cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for his divorce from his 22-year-old wife, Deidre. Getty Images
Pujols re-signed with the Cardinals this offseason. He previously played in St. Louis from 2001-2011. He then spent over nine years with the Angels and finished last season with the Dodgers.
“As a devout Christian, this is a result I never wanted to see,” Pujols continued in his statement. “Many long days and nights I have prayed and asked the Lord for his guidance.”
Pujols said in his statement that he and Deidre “remain committed to” raising their five children “in a loving and safe environment.”
Albert Pujols (R) kisses his wife Deidre after hitting his 600th career home run on June 3, 2017.AP
“I am grateful for the five wonderful children we have brought into this world and I remain committed to raising them in a loving and safe environment,” he wrote. “I ask that you respect our privacy and the privacy of our five children during this time.”