Officially.. Pique and Shakira announce their separation

Colombian singer Shakira and FC Barcelona defender and footballer Gerard Pique confirmed in a statement today that they are separating.

"We regret to confirm that we will be separated. For the sake of our two children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy," a statement they issued through the public relations agency that handles their affairs said.

Shakira, 45, and Pique, 35, have been together since 2011 and have two children.

They met shortly before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when Pique appeared in the video for Shakira's song "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", which was the tournament's official song.

European media reported that Pique was involved in a relationship with another woman, which strained the relationship between him and his wife, leading to divorce.

Shakira faces a trial for tax fraud in Spain, after she lost an appeal on May 26.

Prosecutors accuse her of failing to pay taxes on income earned between 2012 and 2014 amounting to 14.5 million euros ($15.54 million).

Her legal team said in a statement that it will continue to defend her in the case with strong legal arguments.

"Shakira's behavior in tax matters has always been flawless in all countries for which she has had to pay taxes, and she has faithfully followed and trusted the recommendations of the best specialists and advisors," the statement read.

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