The Colombian pop star Shakira and the Spanish soccer player Gerard Pique have confirmed that they are separating after days of speculations.
The duo, who began dating 11 years ago, grabbed headlines earlier this month after reports surfaced that Shakira caught the Spanish footballer with another woman. They did not clarify the rumours at the time. The pair share two sons, Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7.
“We regret to confirm that we are separating," the couple said in a joint statement obtained by PEOPLE. “We ask for privacy at this moment for the well-being of our children, who are our maximum priority. Thank you in advance for your understanding and respect."
The former couple first confirmed their relationship in March 2011. They met on the set of Shakira’s music video for “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," which served as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Though Shakira and Pique were together for over a decade, they never tied the knot. The couple was fairly private during their relationship, although they often made public appearances to support each other. Shakira would attend Piqué’s soccer matches with their kids, while Piqué would watch Shakira perform during concerts, or specifically during her 2020 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Shakira and Pique also celebrated Valentine’s Day together this year, and the ‘Hips don’t lie’ singer shared a photo to mark the occasion on social media.
Shakira also explained on Twitter the rumors about her health after she was recently seen in an ambulance, saying she was accompanying her father after he'd suffered injuries in a fall.
“I just wanted to let you know that those photos are from last weekend (the 28th) when my dad, unfortunately, had a bad fall and I accompanied him in an ambulance where he is recovering now," she wrote. “Please do send all of your best wishes his way and thank you as always for all of your love and support."
