The couple first met when Shakira sang the 2010 World Cup song "Waka Wake (This Time for Africa) with Gerard appearing in the music video. They went public with their relationship a few months later and set up home in Spain where he plays for FC Barcelona.
Shakira, who is now 45, gave birth to their first child Milan in 2013 and another son Sasha 2 years later. They never married.
In an official statement they said, "We regret to confirm that we are separating. For the well-being of our children, who are our upmost priority, we request respect for our privacy".
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