It's official: Shakira and boyfriend Gerard Piqué
are seen in a passionate embrace on the cover of Caras
magazine
They've been romantically linked since last year but are
rarely seen out together.
But now Shakira and Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué have made
their relationship official - as a photograph of the couple sharing
a passionate kiss has been used on the cover of Colombian magazine
Caras.
The 34-year-old singer is seen closing her eyes and leaning in
for a romantic embrace with her 24-year-old sportsman beau.
Shakira announced at the start of the year that her
11-year relationship with lawyer Antonio de la Rua, 37, the eldest
son of the former Argentinian premier, amid rumours that he had
been cheating on her.
And last month, Piqué, who plays for FC Barcelona, uploaded a
photograph from his birthday on February 2 of himself and the
Colombian singer celebrating with friends.
The singer first met Piqué last spring while shooting the video
to her song Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - the official track
of the 2010 World Cup.
Barcelona-based newspaper El Periodico de Catalunya claimed they
had a string of secret encounters following their initial
meeting.
It said they both spent a night in the seven-room Hotel Atzaro
in Ibiza last July. The footballer is said to have arrived and left
wearing the same clothes.
Pics don't lie: Shakira and Gerard Pique were spotted
hand-in-hand as they left a restaurant in Barcelona last month
Look of love? Pair beam for the cameras on their
night out in the Catalonian capital
However, Shakira has previously dismissed reports of a
romance.
At a press conference in Barcelona she described the
claims as a 'waka-rumour' and added: 'You shouldn't take any notice
of waka-rumours.'
Pique was also quick to deny that they were lovers, telling
reporters last month: 'We're just friends. There's nothing
more to it.'
But in February, the pair were spotted holding hands as they
left a restaurant in Barcelona, finally confirming rumours of a
romance.
Shakira announced her split from De La Rua, son of former
Argentine president Fernando de la Rua, on her official website in
January.
Joining in the fun: Shakira (centre, with blonde
hair) was pictured next to Gerard Pique in this photo from his
birthday celebrations
The couple said: 'During our almost 11 years together we
have loved each other deeply, taken care of each other and stood by
one another.
'They have been the most wonderful years of our lives, and
thanks to that love and the respect we have shared for one another,
we have been an exceptional couple and partners.
'Our friendship and understanding of one another is unwavering
and indestructible.'
The couple added that they viewed their separation as temporary,
and that de la Rua - who is also Shakira's agent - would continue
to oversee the singer's business and career interests.
'We move forward together as partners, developing projects
together, working hand in hand and in close communication,' the
pair said.