Ryan Giggs has found love with a lingerie model who has ‘supported’ him through charges for coercive control and assault of his ex girlfriend Kate Greville.
The former Manchester United star, 47, was photographed holding hands with Zara Charles, 33, in Hale, Cheshire, during an afternoon walk.
The outing came days before he was charged because of an alleged row with Ms Greville, 36, and her sister at his £1.7million mansion in Worsley, Greater Manchester.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: ‘Zara has been supporting Ryan over the last few months.
‘Ryan has been completely open with her about his situation. They seem very strong together.’
Giggs is accused of causing actual bodily harm to PR worker Ms Greville at his home in November.
Ryan Giggs, 47, was photographed holding hands with Zara Charles (pictured), 33, in Hale, Cheshire, during an afternoon walk
He faces an additional charge of coercive and controlling behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020.
Giggs has also been charged with the common assault of a woman in her 20s – understood to be Ms Greville’s sister – during the same alleged incident.
He will appear on bail at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court next Wednesday, April 28, said Greater Manchester Police.
Following his arrest Giggs, who is the current Wales manager, issued a statement in which he denied all allegations of assault made against him.
Giggs and Kate Greville pictured together on holiday in Ravello, Italy, back in 2018
In a statement Giggs said: ‘I have full respect for the due process of law and understand the seriousness of the allegations.
‘I will plead not guilty in court and look forward to clearing my name.’
Meanwhile, the Welsh football association announced Giggs would not manage the side at the upcoming European Championships – with Robert Page set to lead the squad as caretaker boss for the tournament.
‘I would like to wish Robert Page, the coaching staff, the players and the supporters every success at the Euros this summer,’ Giggs added in a statement.
Ryan Giggs’ ex-girlfriend Kate Greville was spotted walking in the days after the alleged assault with a bruised lip (circled)
Giggs is accused of causing actual bodily harm to Ms Greville at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, in November
The PR executive walked with a friend and her Labrador, Mac, two weeks after the ‘disturbance,’ at the home she shared with Giggs in Worsley, Salford
Giggs stepped back from his role as manager of Wales’ national football team amid the ongoing police investigation
Today a CPS spokesman said: ‘We have authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Ryan Giggs with engaging in behaviour which was controlling or coercive and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
‘A charge of assault by beating relating to a second woman has also been authorised. Mr Giggs will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 28th April.
‘The CPS made the decision to charge Mr Giggs after reviewing a file of evidence from Greater Manchester Police.
‘Criminal proceedings are active and nothing should be published that could jeopardise the defendant’s right to a fair trial.’
Greater Manchester Police said Giggs was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm against a woman in her 30s and the common assault of a woman in her 20s.
Both assault charges relate to an incident on November 1 last year, which is understood to have happened at Giggs’ home in Worsley near Salford. The older woman was treated for injuries at the scene.
Giggs has been released on bail ahead of the court appearance. The star denies all claims of assault made against him.
The retired footballer met Kate in 2013 after she helped promote his Hotel Football venue, launched with ex-United teammate Gary Neville.
Giggs went public with the relationship with Ms Greville in 2018 after whisking her away for a holiday in Italy, eight months after his divorce.
Giggs and his ex-wife Stacey divorced in December 2017.
The 47-year-old, who is manager of the Welsh national team, has missed his country’s recent Nations League fixtures, following his arrest late last year
The former winger won 64 caps for Wales and had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups and three League Cups
They finalised a £40million settlement after he cheated on her with model and Big Brother star Imogen Thomas during their 10-year marriage.
Giggs, who is manager of the Welsh national team, has missed his country’s recent Nations League fixtures, following his arrest late last year.
Robert Page was put in caretaker charge in his absence and will continue to occupy the role at this summer’s European Championships, the Football Association of Wales confirmed today.
In a statement, the FAW said: ‘The Football Association of Wales has noted the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to proceed with charging Ryan Giggs, the men’s national team manager.
‘An FAW board meeting will be convened to discuss these developments and its impact on the association and the national team.’
The former winger won 64 caps for Wales and had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.