Shakira and Gerard Pique have announced their breakup.
The creator of the hit “Hips Don’t Lie” and the Barcelona footballer have been dating for 11 years, they have sons Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7, together.
The couple said in a joint statement, “We regret to have to confirm that we are separating. We are asking for privacy at this time for the sake of the well being of our children, which is our highest priority. Thank you in advance for your understanding and respect. “
Shakira, 45, and Gerard, 35, starred for the first time in the video for the song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, which became the official theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The Colombian pop star revealed earlier this year that she and Gerard didn’t see eye to eye on punctuality, which led to disputes between the couple.
Shakira said, “My poor husband, damn boyfriend, damn daddy, whatever you call him, he has to wait so long for me. He was tired of waiting.
“Because Colombian time is not the same as Catalan time, Spanish time.”
The news comes as the singer was due to face trial on tax fraud charges in Spain after she lost her appeal last month.
Prosecutors allege she failed to pay up to €14.5 million in tax on income she earned between 2012 and 2014, although Shakira’s legal team insists she did nothing wrong and vowed to keep defending her case.
The statement reads: “Shakira’s conduct in tax matters has always been impeccable in all countries where she has had to pay taxes, and she has trusted and conscientiously carried out the recommendations of the best specialists and advisers.”
