Compiled by: Izatun Shari, Sylvia Looi and A. Raman

MALAYSIA - National football player Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak, 22, has admitted to being close friends with rising local actress Ayu Raudhah Che Wan, 25, Harian Metro reported.

He is the twin brother of Aidil Zafuan, who is also the Malaysian football player who created a buzz when he secretly married popular local actress Rita Rudaini late last year.

Mohd Zaquan said he did not intend to keep his friendship with Ayu Raudhah, who is the younger sister of popular local drama actress and model, Rozita Che Wan, a secret.

"I admit to being friends with Ayu Raudhah. We got to know each other through a friend about a month ago.

"We were introduced while having a meal at a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur," he said.

Mohd Zaquan was commenting on gossip about his supposed love affair with Ayu Raudhah, which was reported in the print media and circulated via web portals.

He said he only met Ayu Raudhah a few times since then due to his commitments as the leading player in the Negri Sembilan football squad.

Mohd Zaquan added that Ayu Raudhah was present at the Darul Aman Stadium in Alor Star early last month when the Negri Sembilan squad faced Kedah.

He said his parents were aware of their friendship but had reminded him to preserve the good name of the family.

Ayu Raudhah also admitted to the friendship with Mohd Zaquan, but said that it was still at the early stage.

"We know what we are doing.

"This is part and parcel of being an artiste," the actress said of the gossip.

The daily also highlighted a statement by local singer Faizal Tahir, denying media gossip about him divorcing his wife Siti Raihanim Noran.

Faizal, 30, whose real name is Ahmad Faizal Mohammad Tahir, described the gossip as "the most extreme joke" and said that only crazy people would spread such gossip.

The father of three said that his marriage to Siti Raihanim was strong.

--The Star/ANN