Christian Ziege shares heartbreaking statement after wife dies as Premier League icon, 52, says ‘the world has stopped’

FORMER Liverpool star Christian Ziege is mourning the death of his wife, Pia.

Pia passed away on Monday after a long battle with a serious illness.

Instagram @ziege.christian17

Christian Ziege’s wife, Pia, has passed away[/caption]

Instagram @ziege.christian17

Ziege announced his wife’s death on social media with a heartbreaking statement[/caption]

PA:Press Association

Ziege previously played for Liverpool[/caption]

Ex-Premier League star Ziege announced the devastating news on social media this morning.

He wrote: “And there are always traces of your life, thoughts, pictures, moments.

“They will remind us of you, make us happy and sad and never let us forget you.

“Our world has stood still since November 4th. After a long and serious illness, Pia has closed her eyes forever.

“We would like to thank everyone who has walked this long and difficult path with us, as well as for the great sympathy and compassion. Pia, you will live on forever in our hearts.”

Ziege and his wife had been married since 1997.

They share two children – Alessandro and Maria. 

The former Germany international is also a father figure to Pia’s daughter, Katharina.

Ziege retired from professional football in 2005 having played for the likes of Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Tottenham and Borussia Monchengladbach.

He was also capped 72 times by the German national team.

After retiring, the 52-year-old went on to pursue a career in management.

He most recently took charge of FC Pinzgau but left in September 2022.