Van Nistelrooy marries long-time girlfriend

Manchester United star forward Ruud van Nistelrooy married his long-time girlfriend Leontine Slaats today in a private service near his hometown.

The couple were pronounced man and wife at around noon at the Heesch town hall in the southern Dutch province of Brabant. A small group of friends and family then attended the Catholic church ceremony.

Hundreds of fans cheered as the couple arrived at the Maria Magdalena Church in the village of Geffen, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of the capital, Amsterdam.

The bride wore a white dress, and Van Nistelrooy, who turned 28 last week, wore a beige suit.

The Dutchman finished among the top three scorers of the Euro 2004 Cup, with four goals for the Dutch team.

The scoring spree was dampened by a suspension for the first 2006 World Cup games after he insulted a referee.

A soccer fan web site was set up for the wedding, but the couple refused to allow a webcam or any media in the church.