Shakira confirmed that she stepped back and put her career on hold because of her ex-partner Gerald Pique.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Shakira mentioned the years she put her career on hold. According to her, her career was paused for many years because of her former partner, footballer Gerard Pique.

“For a long time, I paused my career to be by Gerald’s side so he could play football,” the Colombian singer revealed. “I made a lot of sacrifices for love.”

Previously, in an interview with Billboard, Shakira also opened up about how she has always been dedicated to her former partner and family. “It was very difficult to pursue my professional music career while in Barcelona. Collaboration was complicated there; I had to wait for scheduling conflicts or have someone come over. I couldn’t just leave the kids and go somewhere to compose music. It was hard to maintain the rhythm,” Shakira disclosed.

Shakira first met the footballer on the set of the “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” music video in 2010. The couple then began dating and living together in Barcelona, Spain, where they welcomed their two sons: 11-year-old Milan and 9-year-old Sasha. Throughout this time, Pique continued to play for the city’s football team, while Shakira primarily focused on raising their children.

In June 2022, the couple surprised fans by announcing their separation. Shortly after, rumors of the footballer’s infidelity surfaced when Shakira released BZRP Music Session #53. Following the breakup, the footballer confirmed having a new girlfriend, Clara Chia Marti, in January 2023.

Shakira was honored with a giant statue in her hometown

The Mayor of Barranquilla, Colombia, has unveiled a 6.4-meter-tall sculpture depicting Shakira at a park along the Magdalena River. This statue aims to honor one of the world’s best-selling artists and a pride of the city.

The sculpture captures Shakira’s iconic long curly hair and depicts her belly dancing with both hands raised high, wearing a thin dress. This is a very familiar image of Shakira to audiences worldwide. Beneath the statue is the inscription: “A heart that knows restraint, hips that don’t lie, unparalleled talent, a voice that moves audiences, and feet that work for the good of children and humanity.”

According to the mayor, the statue is evidence “for millions of girls to see that they can pursue their dreams and that any of them can achieve what they want.”

Immediately after the statue was unveiled to the public, Shakira expressed immense gratitude and honor. Currently residing in Miami, the Grammy-winning star couldn’t attend the statue unveiling ceremony. However, she affirmed that Barranquilla will always be her home.