Ross Barkley was given a rare run out on Tuesday, but the forgotten Chelsea midfielder was nowhere near a football pitch as he kicked off his pre-season break in Italy.
The footballer was accompanied by stunning girlfriend Katherine Pilkington while venturing out for a cruise off the coast of picturesque Capri, and the couple wasted no time in stripping off for a swim in the azure Mediterranean waters.
Barkley, whose appearances for the Blues have been infrequent over the last two seasons, showed off his rugged physique after pulling off his top and joining his accounts executive girlfriend in the sea.
Rest and relaxation: Ross Barkley was given a rare run out on Tuesday, but the forgotten Chelsea midfielder was nowhere near a football pitch as he kicked off his pre-season break with girlfriend Katherine Pilkington in Italy
Making waves: tTe couple wasted no time in stripping off for a swim in the azure Mediterranean waters
more videos
- Watch video
Madonna puts on a busty display to tease her Celebration tour
- Watch video
Trailer shows Elizabeth Hurley star in racy scenes filmed by her son
- Watch video
The Kardashians: Kourtney details origins of her feud with Kim
- Watch video
Kim Kardashian treats North West for 10th birthday at Dior pop-up
- Watch video
Katherine appeared to have already caught the sun, and she showed off her bronzed skin tone in an orange bikini that served to accentuate her slender frame.
RELATED ARTICLES
Rebel Wilson looks loved-up as she enjoys date night out in... 
13 Reasons Why... star Tommy Dorfman wears a red bikini and... 
Mario Balotelli splashes in the surf with playful daughter...
Share this article
ShareThe pair appeared to be making the most of a welcome overseas break, Barley's second with Katherine first since publicly confirming their relationship during a joint appearance in February.
With their boat offering a prime view of the sweeping southern Italian coastline, the couple were seen reclining alongside one another before leaping from the stern for a bracing swim.
Muscular: Barkley, whose appearances for the Blues have been infrequent over the last two seasons, showed off his rugged physique after pulling off his top and joining his accounts executive girlfriend in the sea
Reaching out: Katherine grabbed a beach towel as the couple idled at the rear of their yacht on Tuesday morning
All yours: Katherine handed the towel to her footballer boyfriend as they dried off after taking a dip in the ocean
Barkley was seen for the first time with new girlfriend Katherine as they enjoyed a romantic trip to the Saatchi Gallery in London's Sloane Square on Valentine's Day.
Katherine is an account executive for the The Social PR, works alongside soap star Scott Thomas on events and counts Love Island's Ellie Brown as one of her best friends.
The pair have recently come back from a trip to New York together where they shared images from the same tourist attractions.
Get the camera ready Kath! Barkley appeared keen to show off his diving skills as his girlfriend looked on
Impressive: The accounts executive took a picture of Barkley as he dived into the Med during their recent cruise
Decent effort: The footballer leaped high into the air before arrowing into the water as Katherine recorded the moment on her phone
How was that? The brunette watched as Barkley swam back to the boat's stern after his impressive dive
Fun: The footballer is making the most of his latest overseas holiday with Katherine, their second since going public in February
Little is known about Liverpool born Barkley's love life, but in 2019 he was seen on holiday with fashion designer Jordan McCabe.
However, neither Barkley or McCabe ever said whether they were in a relationship or not.
The footballer previously dated nursery school worker Zoe Riozzi. Like Barkley, she also comes from Liverpool and they were together while he was at Everton.
In 2015, a friend told the Sunday People: 'Their relationship has gone from strength-to-strength and they go away a lot on holidays to spend time together.
Make way: Katherine had the freshwater hose to hand as her boyfriend clambered back aboard the boat on Tuesday
Busy girl: Katherine is an account executive for the The Social PR, works alongside soap star Scott Thomas on events and counts Love Island's Ellie Brown as one of her best friends
'They have normal life way from football which probably helps keep him grounded.'
Last month it was reported that Barkley could make a sensational return to Goodison Park, with Everton interested in the Chelsea star.
The footballer left Merseyside for west London four years ago for £15million, but injuries and a lack of game time has hampered the England international's progress with the Blues.
Jet setters: The pair have recently come back from a trip to New York together where they shared images from the same tourist attractions
Splash-tastic: Barley and Katherine were both seen climbing aboard their boat following a swim in the Med on Tuesday
Rest and relaxation: Katherine reclined on a beach towel while checking her phone during the picturesque cruise
Barkley was loaned to Aston Villa last season and impressed alongside Jack Grealish.
And a return to Everton will certainly raise eyebrows with the footballer considered one of the club's greatest academy products in recent years.
He has started only one Premier League game this season - at Turf Moor for Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Burnley.
Options: Last month it was reported that Barkley could make a sensational return to Goodison Park, with Everton interested in the Chelsea star
Side by side: His career was put to one side as he swam the Med with girlfriend Katherine on Tuesday
Face to face: The couple were seen reading water as they made the most of their current sunshine break together
Peaceful: The couple ventured out aboard the modest Lion III, with the boat guiding them past the southern Italian shoreline
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pa3IpbCmmZmhe6S7ja6iaKymqLWww8GisWiZoqm2pLjEZmhpcWNtf3WBjoumrKtdd66zt8uesGarp566tHmsnpuirJWnv6K6xJqlZpqZoLavtYyco5qcXZy2s7jFq6CeppRimKLAx56poqaVYp2quMqipaCsn6N6hK3Pq6BnoKSiuQ%3D%3D