Devout Christian and MLB superstar Albert Pujols shocked fans after announcing he filed for divorce from his wife of 22 years. Pujols said the decision didn’t happen overnight, and it was God who helped guide him to the decision.

Pujols wife Deidre had just successfully removed a brain tumor, so the news is coming as an even greater shock to many. In a statement released to the public, Pujols said:

“As a devout Christian, this is an outcome that I never wanted to see happen. For many long days and nights, I prayed, asking the Lord for His guidance.”

Albert is known for being very outspoken about his faith and credits the work of Jesus Christ in his life, which allows him to have an eternal life with God and be at peace with his decision.

Pujols has always stated that he is committed to Jesus Christ and his will, yet the devout Christian is leaving his wife right after life-threatening surgery to join a team in which Christian players are a minority. This move has caused some people to accuse Pujols of being a hypocrite.

Pujols is starting his farewell season with the St. Louis Cardinals. His return to the Cardinals was the main story, as fans and teammates were excited for the designated hitter to return to where it all started. However, now the return is no longer the main story and with the opening day around the corner, Pujol will likely be questioned more about his divorce than his time on the diamond.

The future Hall-of-Famer played for the Cardinals back in 2001 to 2011. After landing a 10-year 254 million dollar contract with the Los Angeles Angels, he left that December. His contract with the Cardinals is for two years. While he has accomplished a lot in his career, including being a two-time World Series Champ, a 10-time All-Star and a three-time National League MVP, the player loses a lot of his goodwill with many Cardinals fans by leaving his wife.

The couple stated they remain committed to raising their five children in a “loving and safe environment.” Albert is requesting joint custody of the three minor children as two no longer live at home. The cause for the split is being listed as “irreconcilable differences.”

The Pujols’ run a family foundation together, and its’ likely Deidre will continue to help with its’ mission of helping families that live with Down syndrome and impoverished families living in the Dominican Republic.

“But baseball is not the end; baseball is the means by which my wife, Dee Dee, and I glorify God. Baseball is simply my platform to elevate Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I would also rather be known as a great husband and father than an All-Star baseball player.”

Pujols says he will continue to rely on his faith and trust God’s plan to help him navigate through this new journey as a single man. As he looks to finish his 22nd season and retire from the big leagues, Pujols will undoubtedly get remembered as one of the greatest players in baseball history.