MADRID (AP) – Colombian pop star Shakira and her partner, Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué, are separating, the couple said on Saturday.
“We are sorry to confirm that we are separating,” the two said in a statement issued by Shakira’s public relations firm. “For the well-being of our children, which is our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thanks for your understanding.”
Shakira, 45, met Barcelona’s defense while promoting her 2010 World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”. The couple has two children, Sasha and Milan.
In recent days, rumors of the disappearance of the relationship of the 11-year-old couple had seized the Spanish media, fueled by reports that Piqué, 35, had left the family home in Barcelona and lived alone in the city.
While Shakira is one of the most important music artists in the world for her songs and live performances, Piqué is one of the best defenders of European football. For a decade, the two were portrayed as the two halves of a happy partnership that allowed them both to continue to thrive as extremely popular entertainers.
The separation now comes with Shakira and Piqué facing their own legal issues.
Shakira is facing a possible trial for tax fraud in Spain. The prosecution accuses him of failing to pay 14.5 million euros ($ 15.5 million) in income taxes earned between 2012 and 2014. He has denied any wrongdoing and his public relations firm says he he has returned everything he owed.
Piqué, meanwhile, has been implicated in an investigation by Spanish prosecutors investigating the contracts behind the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. The audios leaked to the Spanish media indicate that a company run by Piqué has received commissions worth several million euros (dollars) for their participation in bringing the tournament to the Middle East. Piqué denies any crime or conflict of interest despite having played in the Super Cup.
Piqué has also launched several business initiatives, although he continues to be a leading footballer in Spain. The Spanish sports media see him as a future president of Futbol Club Barcelona after completing his playing career.