MADRID (Reuters) – Colombian singer Shakira and FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique are separating, the couple confirmed in a press release by way of their PR company on Saturday seen by Reuters.

“We remorse to verify that we’re separating. For the wellbeing of our youngsters, who’re our highest precedence, we ask that you just respect their privateness,” the assertion mentioned.

Shakira, 45, and Pique, 35, have been collectively since 2011 and have two kids. They met shortly earlier than the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when he featured within the music video for Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, the match’s official music.

The “Hips Do not Lie” singer is going through a trial over alleged tax fraud prices in Spain after she misplaced an attraction on Might 26. Prosecutors declare she didn’t pay as much as 14.5 million euros ($15.54 million) in tax on earnings earned between 2012 and 2014.

Her authorized crew mentioned in assertion they may preserve defending her case with strong authorized arguments.

“Shakira’s conduct on tax issues has at all times been impeccable in all of the nations she needed to pay taxes and he or she has trusted and adopted faithfully the suggestions of one of the best specialists and advisers,” the assertion mentioned.