London, May 17 (IANS) Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger has revealed the reason behind his split from wife Maria Shriver is that he fathered a secret lovechild with a member of their household staff.

The actor-turned-politician announced last week he has split from his wife of 25 years and she moved out of their home in Brentwood, California, earlier this year, reports contactmusic.com.

Now it has emerged their break-up came after Schwarzenegger confessed to Shriver that he had fathered a child with an unnamed aide more than 10 years ago.

In a statement issued to the Los Angeles Times, he said: "After leaving the governor's office, I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago. I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family."

"There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologised to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry. I ask that the media respect my wife and children through this extremely difficult time. While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not," he added.

The names of the child and its mother were not revealed, but the reports says the woman was a member of Schwarzenegger's household staff for 20 years before her retirement in January.