Gerard Pique And Shakira Confirm They've Split Up After 11 Years In Joint Statement

Gerard Pique and popstar Shakira have confirmed their separation after 11 years in a public statement.

It reads per Reshad Rahman: "We regret confirming that we're splitting up. For the welfare of our children, which is our top priority, we ask for respect for our privacy. Thank you for understanding."

The Barcelona defender first met Shakira after appearing in the music video of 'Waka Waka (Time for Africa)', the official song of the 2010 World Cup.

In 2011, the pair entered a romantic relationship and they have two children together.

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Pique spoke at length about their relationship during an appearance on Gary Neville's 'The Overlap' last month and was asked why they weren't married.

"No, I'm not married," the 35-year-old replied when asked. "It’s her mentality!

"I like it how we are right now. We have two kids, nine and seven, we work good as a couple.

"We don't have the need to be married, it's fine."

Neville then joked his former Manchester United teammate had already popped the question and been turned down which saw Pique reply: "No no no, I would tell you!"

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Pique is one of the best centre backs of his generation and remains an influential figure at the Camp Nou.

He made 39 appearances in all competitions this season as Barcelona finished second in La Liga.

The former Spain international has two years remaining on his deal and is likely to remain a regular starter.

Shakira regularly attended Barcelona games and spoke glowingly about Pique following the Blaugrana's 4-0 win over bitter rivals Real Madrid in March.

"Gerard won't let me say these things publicly," she posted to Instagram.

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"But only he with his heroism can play like this, overcoming any injury or pain and always giving his best. 

"It's not because he's my husband, but he's the best center [sic] back in the world."

The Colombian hitmaker also posed with four fingers held up, to really rub salt into the wounds.