FC Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique and Colombian superstar Shakira had announced Saturday they were separating after a 12-year relationship.
They first met in 2010 during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Pique appeared in Shakira's music video for “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," which was the tournament’s official song.
The couple shares two sons, Milan and Sasha, and had been living together for years on the outskirts of Barcelona.
"We regret to confirm that we are separating, for the well-being of our children, who are our utmost priority, we request respect for (our) privacy," they said in a statement.
Spanish football star Pique, 35, won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euro Championship and is a three-time Champions League winner with FC Barcelona .
