LOVE-RAT soccer legend David Seaman has done it again—DUMPING his second wife 15 years after DITCHING his first missus for her.
The legendary England goalkeeper—once lauded as sport’s Mr Nice Guy and nicknamed Safe Hands—has shocked friends and family with this heartbreak replay.
And last night abandoned wife No 2 Debbie—mother of Seaman’s two youngest children, a girl of eight and a boy of seven—revealed: “Obviously we’re devastated. But I have two beautiful children to protect. They’re my priority.”
It’s a repeat of the day in 1994 when the News of the World revealed how Seaman, now 45, had left first wife and childhood sweetheart Sandra—again after ten years of marriage.
We told how the former Arsenal ace left his marital home—and sons Daniel and Tommy, then eight and seven—to move in with Highbury reception boss Debbie.
We caught him sneaking out of her London flat carrying two overnight bags. This time a spokesman for Seaman has insisted: “No one else is involved.” But once again he has left a young family shattered.
The star’s aide last night added: “David moved out a few weeks ago. We’re just trying to resolve things as amicably as possible. Divorce lawyers aren’t involved yet but they will be.”
A close friend told us: “It’s just like last time when David abandoned Sandra. We’re all stunned and a lot of us are appalled that he can walk out on the mum of his young kids, not once, but TWICE.
“Poor Debbie’s distraught. She’s always said David was the man of her dreams and thought they’d set up a perfect life together. Now he’s turned his back on it all. It’s over.”
Mates of Seaman, who earned 75 caps for his country, say he left 47-year-old Debbie, also his agent, after simply getting “bored”.
The 6ft 4ins star retired from the game after 22 years, in 2004, to spend more time with his family and indulge his hobbies of fly-fishing and golf. He also competed in ITV1’s hit Dancing on Ice show in 2006.
The couple appeared to enjoy an idyllic life at their 17th century farmhouse in Hertfordshire, set in five acres.
But friends realised something was up when last Saturday he turned up ALONE at the wedding of Champneys health farm boss Stephen Purdew.
Guests at the Claridge’s bash—including ex Gunners Ian Wright and Tony Adams, along with Oasis star Liam Gallagher—were surprised.
One pal said: “You could tell things weren’t right with David. He’s a man who’s always worn his heart on his sleeve. And Debbie’s always been by his side, the two of them laughing and joking with each other. But this time she wasn’t there.
“He made his excuses, but it was obvious something very serious has happened.”
Divorce could cost Seaman a small fortune. He joined Arsenal from Queens Park Rangers in 1990 for £1.3million—a record at the time for a goalkeeper.
At his peak around 1997 he was raking in £10,000 a week and that soared in later years. A pal said: “This could cost David more than cash, though. He’s always had a reputation as a warm, friendly man who stands by people.
“But a lot of us are now questioning now what kind of guy he really is.”