Amy Pejkovic is nursing a broken heart, but she’s handling her split the ‘mature’ way.
The model has parted ways with Essendon footballer David Zaharakis, 34, after the pair realised they were not suited as lovers.
They had been dating for four years, and are said to have made the decision to break up together.
‘We decided we’d be better as friends,’ the 31-year-old told the Herald Sun on Sunday.
‘I’m proud of how we’ve handled it. We weren’t as compatible as we thought we were,’ she continued.
‘I loved with all my heart and I have so much admiration for him and still love him. He’s also very excited to see what I do next year. That’s life.’
Amy Pejkovic is handling her split the ‘mature’ way. The model has parted ways with Essendon footballer David Zaharakis, 34, after the pair realised they were not suited. Both pictured
Amy says she is now focusing on her career and may move to Europe to pursue modelling and ambassador work.
She has gigs with the Australian Open and the Australian Grand Prix coming up on her busy calendar.
Zaharakis has also been making changes in his life and career.
The former Essendon midfielder has done so well in his transformation into an Ironman competitor that he will face off against the ‘elite of the elite’ in the sport’s world championship this month.
Zaharakis played 226 games across 13 AFL seasons for the Bombers before retiring in 2021.
He was a fan favourite of supporters decked out in red and black, and in 2013 snared the Anzac Day Medal following a commanding performance against Collingwood as well as the being crowned the club’s best and fairest player in 2011.
The sportsman has found a new sporting passion over the past year, competing in Ironman events across five Australian states and Colorado in the US.
He told Trizone that his move to endurance racing from chasing Sherrins evolved naturally.
They had been dating for four years, and have made the decision to break up together
‘We decided we’d be better as friends,’ the 31-year-old said. ‘I’m proud of how we’ve handled it. We weren’t as compatible as we thought we were’
‘Honestly, after leaving AFL, I realised my passion for football was waning,’ he said.
‘I always enjoyed swimming and cycling during my AFL career, and I guess it was a natural progression. The idea hit me during a family holiday, and I just went for it.’
‘I still feel very green in the sport, I’m learning new things every single day, with each of the three disciplines,’ Zaharakis added.
‘You’re 12 months in and you realise there is still so much to learn and so much to improve on.
‘I’m loving the sport and loving the fact that I’ve found a new passion, this is still years in the making to become the level that I want to get to.
‘I’m willing to work at it every single day to get there.
‘A world championship is the elite of the elite, as an athlete you want to be around those people, the best… hopefully I’m out there putting in a good performance and proving that I belong out there.’
Zaharakis also appeared on Australian Survivor in 2022 as part of the Heroes vs Villain aspect of the show.
The former reality star sold his Lower Plenty home in Melbourne last year.
He put the four-bedroom party house on the market with an asking range of $3.8-4.1million.
The split-level property has seen celebrity gatherings of up to 170 people, including Grand Final celebrations and birthday parties.
Pejkovic previously dated Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL player Adam Tomlinson, with the pair splitting in 2018 after two years of dating.
‘I loved with all my heart and I have so much admiration for him and still love him. He’s also very excited to see what I do next year. That’s life,’ she continued
