Shakira and Gerard Pique, it’s over. After 12 years of relationship, the FC Barcelona defender and the singer have announced their separation, ending one of the most media stories in world football. The two stars formalized the news in a joint press release sent to the Spanish press agency EFE.
“We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, which is our top priority, we ask for your privacy. Thank you for your understanding”, they write.
The two stars had been making headlines in the Spanish tabloids for a few days. Rumors circulated, assuring that Gerard Pique had been surprised by Shakira with another woman.
The couple have two children, Milan (9 years old) and Sasha (6 years old). According to Informalia, a Spanish media, the subject of child custody is likely to pose a problem during the separation. “They are not married, but they share important things that will need to be settled. Sources say neither wants money from the other, but there will be (many) custody issues for their two children.” writes the media. And for good reason: Shakira would like to move abroad. “She doesn’t want to continue living in Barcelona.”, explains Informalia. “She has no friends or family here (except Pique’s) and the taxman has been chasing her for years, so she intends to move and settle in another country. With his children, of course.
They had met on the set of the clip “Waka Waka”, the anthem of the Football World Cup in 2010.