AUCKLAND FC STAR ENGAGED 'OUR PETAL-FILLED PROPOSAL❜

Goalkeeper Michael Woud stunned his love with a Bali surprise

- Kelly Meharg

Professional athletes are normally used to heart-in-your-mouth moments that can decide if dreams come true.

Auckland FC goalkeeper Michael Woud is no exception - but even he was no match for the nerves that came with pulling off a romantic Balinese proposal for his partner of three years, artist and model Zana Renton, just a few months ago.

With a petal-filled pool spelling out “Marry me, Zana” that took more than three hours to painstakingly put together and a tropical downpour looming, Michael knew he had to act fast.

“The staff put 22 and a half kilos of flowers in the pool,” he says, shaking his head in amazement. “I took Zana out for the day but rushed back so it would all work.

“I made her wait outside for a bit – I didn’t realise how big the boxes are for the rings, so I couldn’t walk around with it all day! Then I called her in and finally asked her to marry me. She said yes – obviously!”

New fiancée Zana, 24, smiles, her gorgeous oval diamond ring glittering on her finger as she admits, “I didn’t have any idea it was happening – until he told me to wait outside. But it was the perfect proposal, just Michael and me. I was so happy!”

It was a fittingly romantic moment for the Auckland couple, who met almost three years ago on a dating app.