'There was a lot of sacrifice for love': Shakira opens up on relationship with ex-partner Gerard Pique

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Shakira has opened up on her past relationship with Spanish football star and her ex-partner Gerard Pique. During an interview with The Sunday Times, the singer disclosed her life with Pique before they decided to end their 11-year love affair in June 2022.

“For a long time I put my career on hold, to be next to Gerard, so he could play football,” Shakira told the outlet of her former longtime partner with whom she shares two children, sons Milan, 11, and Sasha, nine. “There was a lot of sacrifice for love," added the Colombian singer who is set to release her latest album 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran' this month.

Shakira and Gerard Pique first met in 2010

Shakira and Pique first met in 2010 on the set of the songstress' 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa') music video. The duo then confirmed all the rumors when they announced their relationship on social media in March 2011. They welcomed their first son in 2013 and their second child was born two years later in January 2015.

Shakira and Gerard Pique separated in June 2022

The couple announced their separation in a joint statement in June 2022 after spending 11 years together. "We regret to confirm that we are separating," the statement read, adding "We ask for privacy at this moment for the well-being of our children, who are our maximum priority. Thank you in advance for your understanding and respect."

Shakira previously spoke of the importance of her relationship with Gerard Pique

Last year, in a cover story for Billboard, Shakira spoke about how she believed in "'till death do us part" through her romance with Pique. "My priority was my home, my family. I believed in 'till death do us part.' I believed that dream," the singer told the publication. 

"My parents have been together, I don’t know, 50 years, and they love each other like the first day, with a love that’s unique and unrepeatable," she continued, adding "So I know it’s possible." She further said, "It’s what I wanted for myself and my children, but it didn’t happen."

Shakira sparks dating rumors with NFL star Julian Edelman

MEAWW previously reported that reports of a burgeoning romance between NFL legend Julian Edelman and pop sensation Shakira have set tongues wagging with some suggesting they could rival the status of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift as a high-profile sports-celebrity couple.

The speculation arose after Edelman and Shakira were allegedly seen getting cozy at Shakira's 47th birthday celebration, following her split from Gerard Pique.