The break-up between Shakira and her boyfriend of 11 years, Antonio de la Rua, is now official. The pair, who were engaged for several years, issued a statement a few days ago confirming their rumored separation.

“These eleven years have been wonderful and we have been exceptional friends. We are considering this time apart as period of individual growth and will continue to be business partners,” they wrote.

Since their split, rumors about what caused the break-up between the Colombian pop star and De la Rua, who is also her agent, have begun to fly.

According to several Spanish news sources, the couple broke up due to Shakira’s relationship with Barcelona soccer player, Gerard Pique. These rumors began when journalist Xavier Sarda reported seeing the two passionately kissing in a restaurant in mid-December.

Sarda apologized to Pique and Shakira today, saying that he was mistaken when he started those rumors and admitting that he had not, in fact, been present at said restaurant.

Spanish newspaper, La Verdad, also claimed that Pique introduced Shakira to his family before Christmas, and that Pique’s football coach knew about the relationship and advised the couple to keep it discrete.

However, both Shakira and Pique have repeatedly denied all rumors about a possible romance ever since reports emerged last year that Shakira’s relationship with De la Rua was on the rocks.

Shakira insisted that her relationship with then-boyfriend De la Rua was solid, and even talked about finally getting married and having children together.

Since the statement, Shakira has yet to confirm or deny Pique’s involvement in the split, however the soccer star was quick to state that he had nothing to do with it.

No matter what, Shakira’s and De la Rua’s announcement of their break-up confirmed the end of a long-lasting and popular Latin American couple.