Controversial former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who is believed to have an intimate relationship with the widow of a murdered shady Bulgarian tycoon, has announced his engagement to a girl old enough to be his granddaughter.

In a wide-ranging interview aired on the talk show 'Domenica Live' on his Canale 5 TV network, the 76-year-old billionaire said he was engaged to Francesca Pascale, his 27-year old girlfriend.

"Finally I feel less lonely," Berlusconi said. "I am engaged to a Neapolitan, it's official.

"She is 27 years old, with very solid values, beautiful on the outside and even more beautiful on the inside.

"She is very close to me, she loves me very much and I feel the same. My daughter Marina appreciates her and loves her very much too."

Berlusconi does not appear to have let his second marriage get in the way of his engagement announcement.

Berlusconi is currently on trial accused of having sex with an underage prostitute.

At the end of October this year Darina Pavlova, the widow of murdered shady Bulgarian tycoon Iliya Pavlov, suddenly decided to confirm rumors about her passionate intimate relationship with former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Speaking to Oggi, the Italian weekly news and gossip magazine, Pavlova said she met Berlusconi eight years ago in Washington, and shortly thereafter their intimate relationship began.

The Bulgarian admits their first night was unforgettable.

"I will never forget that night. It was amazing, incredible," Darina told the Italian magazine.

Darina Pavlova claims she stands out among Berlusconi's numerous intimate partners, because all she wants is to preserve their love.

Darina says their relationship has been built on respect, trust and love, but lately she has felt disappointed because of the people the former prime minister is spending his private time with.

Pavlova has been living in Rome, Italy, for the last four years in a lavish apartment in the heart of the city.

She regularly makes socialite headlines in Italian media over her ties with famous people, her frequent travels between Rome and Milan and appearances at parties and charities, often in the company of the Italian former Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi.

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