GERARD PIQUE remains fully focused on returning in time for Barcelona’s pre-season despite his shocking break-up with pop star Shakira.
The Colombian singer confirmed their separation in a statement through her publicist after an 11-year relationship that saw them have two children together.
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Barcelona star Gerard Piqué is determined to return in time for the pre-season Credit: Getty
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Pop star Shakira and Barcelona hero Gerard Piqué announce their separationCredit: AP
Shakira did not mention the reasons for the separation and instead demanded privacy for her children.
But rumors have surfaced on social media that the Barça icon was unfaithful.
Shakira said in a statement: “We are sorry to confirm that we are separating.
“For the well-being of our children, who are our top priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
According to Mundo Deportivo, Piqué is putting all this drama in the rearview mirror, as he is determined to recover from a thigh injury in time for Barça’s pre-season training which will begin on 4 July.
The center-back has been sidelined since May 1, when he was injured in a game against Mallorca and lost in the last weeks of the season.
The 35-year-old has not yet commented on the separation.
The Spanish international and Shakira met in 2010 while filming the music video for their World Cup song Waka Waka.
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They started coming out a year later, shortly after the Spanish team won the World Cup.
The 45-year-old singer was also present at the final as she performed in front of a live audience in South Africa.
The former celebrity couple has two children, Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7, but he never married.
Piqué joined Barcelona in 2008 after a four-year spell in Manchester United’s youth squad and has since accumulated a total of 604 appearances with the Catalan giants.