MADRID (AP) – Colombian pop star Shakira and her partner, Spanish footballer Gerard Pique, are splitting, the couple announced 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, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thanks for understanding.”
Shakira, 45, met with the Barcelona defender while advertising his 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (this time for Africa”). The couple has two children – Sasha and Milan.
In recent days, rumors of the breakup of the couple’s 11-year relationship have spread in the Spanish media, fueled by reports that 35-year-old Pique has left the family home in Barcelona and lives alone in the city.
While Shakira is one of the world’s leading music performers for her songs and live performances, Pique is one of the best defenders of European football. For a decade, the two were portrayed as two halves of a happy partnership that allowed them both to continue to thrive as extremely popular artists.
The separation now comes with Shakira and Pique, facing their own legal problems.
Shakira is facing a potential lawsuit on charges of tax fraud in Spain. Prosecutors accuse her of not paying 14.5m euros ($ 15.5m) in taxes on income earned between 2012 and 2014. She has denied wrongdoing and her public relations firm says she has paid all he owes.
Pique, meanwhile, is involved in an investigation by Spanish state prosecutors who are examining the contracts behind hosting the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. Leaked audio recordings in the Spanish media show that a company run by Pique has received commissions worth several million euros (dollars) for its participation in moving the tournament to the Middle East. Pique denies any violations or conflicts of interest, even though he played in the Super Cup.
Piqué has also launched several other business initiatives, remaining a leading football player in Spain. Spanish sports media see him as the future president of the Barcelona football club after the end of his career.
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