Shakira has broken her silence on her split from long-term beau Gerard Pique.
The songstress, who shares two children with the footballer, described the break-up as the 'darkest period of her life' in the October edition of Elle magazine.
They were an item for 12 years and share two sons, nine-year-old Milan and seven-year-old Sasha, and the Waka Waka singer has avoided discussing the subject until now.
"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," she admitted to the outlet.
"I’ve remained quiet and just tried to process it all," she added. "Um, and yeah, it’s hard to talk about it, especially because I’m still going through it."
"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," she added.
The 45-year-old admits she "tried to conceal the situation" in front of their kids to "protect them". Something she says is her "number one mission in life".
She explained that comments about her relationship made in the news affects her children and that sometimes they would "hear things in school".
The former couple announced their split in June earlier this year, but 35-year-old Gerard seemingly moved on quickly after getting into a new relationship with 23-year-old PR student Clara Chia Marti.
Gerard and Shakira first met when the footballer was on set of the video for the singer's official 2010 World Cup single 'Waka Waka' before starting a relationship later that year.
A brief statement, released by the singer’s communication agency, confirmed the pair’s split in June, saying: "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."
Shakira was said to be "very angry" when Gerard went public with his new girlfriend, according to reports. He reportedly broke a deal to keep his new relationship secret for a year.
Shakira's family say the star was fuming after seeing pap pictures of her ex with his new 23-year-old girlfriend, reports Socialite.
According to the Spanish celeb site, the couple had an agreement not to be seen in public with new partners for a year after the split and says the pics will “hurt Shakira a lot”.
