Thierry Henry's estranged wife has admitted that she is struggling to cope with her split from the football star.

According to the News of the World, Claire Henry poured her heart out to friends last week, during a night out at London's Wellington Club to celebrate her birthday.

"I'm gutted - he broke my heart. It was a complete shock and he's ruined my life," Claire explained. "I'm trying to get on with things, but it's very difficult."

She added: "I thought we were happy and I was in love with a great man. I just didn't see this coming. You don't recover from this."

Thierry announced that he was walking out on his four-year marriage to Claire two months ago.