Shakira and Gerard Piqué were said to be in an open relationship before accusations of infidelity led to a bitter separation and subsequent custody agreement over their two children.
The former couple confirmed the end of their 11-year relationship last June, shortly after former FC Barcelona and Spain footballer Pique, 36, was accused of cheating on the 46-year old singer.
Pique, who has since embarked on a new relationship with model Clara Chia Marti, later refuted claims of an affair, insisting there was ‘no infidelity on his part’.
Spanish broadcaster José Antonio Avilés has since insisted the former couple had been in mutually acceptable open relationship for three years before their separation.
‘There is an agreement where “you do what you want and I do what I want”, but in the face of the media we are still a couple,’ Avilés said of their alleged agreement, according to El Nacional de Catalunya.
Claims: Shakira and Gerard Piqué were said to be in an open relationship before accusations of infidelity led to a bitter separation and subsequent custody agreement over their two children
It’s over! Taking to Instagram in June, the Colombian singer confirmed that she was no longer with former FC Barcelona and Spain international Gerard (pictured with their children Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven)
Claims of an open relationship are believed to have come from Piqué’s close circle of friends and family, with many said to be stunned by his former partner’s references to infidelity.
‘The footballer’s entourage was surprised by Shakira’s statement,’ Avilés added. ‘He has been annoyed to find out from the press.’
Elsewhere fellow journalist Pilar Vidal added: ‘Piqué does not want speculation that the reason for the breakup was infidelity.
‘He was surprised by the statement, because the one who takes the initiative is her.’
Shakira has since moved to Miami after being awarded full custody of their two children, Milan and Sasha, and has since been romantically linked to Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton.
Taking to Instagram last June, the Colombian singer confirmed that she was no longer with Piqué, but for some the statement was not entirely unexpected.
Spanish tabloids had already claimed couple were on the verge of breaking up, with sources claiming Piqué had cheated on the star.
Her brief statement read: ‘We regret to confirm that we are parting ways. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.’
Spanish outlet El Periodico reported that the couple had been living separately for weeks after he was kicked out of the family home by the pop star.
Moving on: Pique, who has since embarked on a new relationship with model Clara Chia Marti, has refuted claims of an affair, insisting there was ‘no infidelity on his part’
Progress: In November the former couple released a statement following a marathon 12-hour meeting with their lawyers, confirming they had reached a custody agreement over their two children
Neither party addressed cheating claims but journalist Emilio Pérez reported: ‘(Shakira) has made the decision to separate. That is so. It has happened.
‘That is why there is distance. Perhaps there is nothing left, but that (infidelity) has passed.’
Shakira later revealed how difficult life had been as her relationship with the footballer collapsed during an interview conducted for ELLE magazine’s October issue.
She said: ‘Oh, this is really hard to talk about personally, especially as this is the first time I’ve ever addressed this situation in an interview.
‘I’ve remained quiet and just tried to process it all. Um, and yeah, it’s hard to talk about it, especially because I’m still going through it, and because I’m in the public eye and because our separation is not like a regular separation.
‘And so it’s been tough not only for me, but also for my kids. Incredibly difficult.’
Old times: The former couple with their children at a Spanish sporting event in 2021
Moving on: Shakira has since moved to Miami with her children following their separation
She added: ‘So it’s hard. And I’ve tried because that’s my number one mission in life.
‘But then they hear things in school from their friends or they come across some disagreeable, unpleasant news online, and it just affects them, you know?’
Last November the former couple released a statement following a marathon 12-hour meeting with their lawyers, confirming they had reached a custody agreement over their two children.
Piqué was said to have given his blessing to his former partner’s move to Miami with their two sons to avoid a lengthy legal battle.
Shakira’s wish to move to the city where she used to live and part of her family are still based was understood to have been the principal sticking point in the couple’s previous failure to strike an out-of-court settlement.
They said in a joint statement: ‘We wish to communicate that we have signed an agreement that guarantees the welfare of our children and that will be ratified in court as part of a mere formal procedure.
‘Our sole objective is to provide them with the upmost security and protection, and we trust that their privacy will be respected
‘We appreciate the interest shown and hope that the children can continue with their lives with the necessary privacy in a safe and calm environment.’
It was signed: ‘Shakira and Gerard.’
MailOnline has contacted Shakira’s representatives for further comment.
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