Marcus Rashford has reportedly split from his girlfriend after eight years of dating.
The footballer, 23, and Lucia Loi, also 23, are thought to have called it quits earlier this year, according to The Sun.
However a source told the publication that despite them ending things for now, there’s still hope that the school sweethearts might ‘reconcile’ after some time apart.
Ended: Marcus Rashford has reportedly split from his girlfriend Lucia Loi, both 23, after eight years of dating, having met while they were at school together (pictured in 2018)
A source close to the Manchester United star said: ‘After eight years together, Marcus and Lucia have made the mutual decision to part ways.
‘There is a strong mutual love and respect for one another, having met at school, and there is a continued dialogue with the hope of a reconciliation in the future.’
It is understood that Marcus and Lucia, who met at Ashton on Mersey School in Greater Manchester, split three months ago.
Ended: The footballer and Lucia Loi are thought to have called it quits earlier this year, according to The Sun
Marcus’ representative said they had ‘no further comment’ when contacted by MailOnline.
Lucia has been seen supporting Marcus at football games over the years, including during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
She was seen donning a Three Lions shirt with Rashford printed the back during England’s victorious game against Sweden in the quarter-finals.
After the World Cup the duo flew to Barbados where they were seen relaxing in the sun during a yacht day and enjoying themselves on a jet-ski.
Lucia, who worked as an account executive for Manchester firm Sugar PR, is thought to have graduated in Advertising and Brand Management with first-class honours last summer.
Support: Lucia has been seen supporting Marcus at football games over the years, including during the 2018 World Cup in Russia (pictured in a football shirt at the event)
A LinkedIn page under her name says she attended Manchester University from 2014-2017.
It comes after it was revealed in April that Marcus and his fans have distributed more than 21million meals since first Covid lockdown.
A food redistribution charity that teamed up with the star said donations from the England footballer and his fans have funded more than 21 million meals.
FareShare has handed out the equivalent of 128.5 million meals in the year since March 23 2020 – more than double the number in the previous 12 months.
Marcus partnered with the charity around the start of the first lockdown, concerned that school closures could lead to millions of pupils going hungry.
Potential reunion? A source told the publication that despite them calling it quits for now, there’s still hope that the school sweethearts might ‘reconcile’ after some time apart
He forced a Government U-turn on free school meal vouchers over the summer holidays, and his petition urging the Government to go further in tackling child hunger hit 100,000 signatures just 10 hours after it was launched.
Donations from Marcus and his fans have since funded the distribution of food equivalent to more than 21m meals, with two-thirds going to children and families.
FareShare has also been supported by the Government and UK retailers who are members of Rashford’s Child Food Poverty Taskforce.
Amazing: It comes after it was revealed that Marcus and his fans have distributed more than 21million meals since first Covid lockdown (pictured at FareShare Manchester in 2020)
The charity takes food that cannot be sold in shops, for example due to packaging errors, a short shelf life or surplus stock.
It is given to thousands of organisations across the UK such as homeless hostels, school breakfast clubs, domestic violence refuges and food banks, which distribute meals to struggling families and individuals.
Marcus said in April: ‘It has been a real pleasure being on this challenging but rewarding journey with FareShare over the last year.
‘The staff, the volunteers and the families I have met have been incredibly supportive and brave with the stories they have shared with me.
‘I’ve made no secret of my desire to see the end of hunger and food insecurity, but for the need we have right now, FareShare are doing a phenomenal job and I will continue to provide them with as much support as they need.’
Helping: Marcus forced a Government U-turn on free school meal vouchers over the summer holidays (pictured FareShare Greater Manchester at New Smithfield Market with his mother)