HEARTBREAKER

STRIKER Maricio Pinilla could beat all Scots scoring records - off the pitch.

The handsome Chilean has been a red-hot success with the ladies in his home country.

But he is set to sign for Hearts as a single man after his split from Gisela Gallardo, mum of his eight-month-old daughter Augustina.

And South American sources say he is likely to continue the playboy ways that saw him nicknamed Macho Man and Captain of the Night when he arrives in Scotland.

Pinilla, 22, has also been dubbed the Beckham of Chile because of his big-money advertising deals and good looks.

The footballing playboy's past loves include models Rocio Marengo and Paulina Solsol.

Then he had a relationship with dancer and TV star Yamna Lobos before moving on to Gisela.

His luck appeared to be in again when a Chilean TV station lined him up for a reality TV show alongside Kenita Larrain, the ex-girlfriend of national tennis hero Marcelo Rios. But he pulled out of the show before the filming was scheduled to begin. Journalist Francisco Acedo said: "Pinilla is so popular among Chilean women he could pick any girl he chooses."

Pinilla is such a major star in his home country that his three sisters have become celebrities as a result. Claudia, Sandra and Paula Pinilla are known as the Pinigirls and have featured on a string of TV shows.

The striker, who has played for Inter Milan, Spanish sides Celta Vigo and Racing Santander and lately Sporting Lisbon, is due to confirm his yearlong loan deal with Hearts this week. But he caused controversy when he admitted he hoped moving to Hearts would win him a move to England. He said: "My ambition is to play in the Premiership and I hope playing well in Scotland will give me with an opportunity to do that."

Taken from the Sunday Mail