Happy New Year! Alexis Sanchez, Jenson Button and Manchester United ring in 2015

Button used the New Year to confirm his marriage to Jessica Michibata

Sports stars have taken to social media to welcome in 2015, with Jenson Button using the occasion to confirm his marriage to lingerie model Jessica Michibata.

The Formula One driver was rumoured to have tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend and did so with the tweet: "Happy New Year from Mr & Mrs Button!! We're excited to see in the New year with family and loved ones, we hope you're too!"

Footballers were particularly keen to herald the start of a new year despite most of them having to go to bed early due to a packed New Year's Day schedule in the Premier League.

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez posted a picture along with Arsenal team-mates including Santi Cazorla.

Meanwhile Manchester United's Spanish trio Ander Herrera, David De Gea and Juan Mata posted an image from the team's hotel ahead of their fixture with Stoke City.

Players abroad are enjoying the final days of their winter break and as such could stay up a little later. Gareth Bale took advantage by dressing up in a red velvet jacket and posting a picture before he headed out for the evening with his wife Emma.

Meanwhile another former Premier League player dressed up in a mask for the big night. Luis Suarez posted an image of himself along with a message thanking people for "the warmth you give me every day!!!"

Many other sports personalities also welcomes in 2015...