International pop icon Shakira  broke her silence about her split with Spanish football player  Gerard Pique.

Having announced the separation in June this year, Shakira described  the phase as the “darkest hour” of her life

The singer, who is going  to drop her first album in five years, has two kids  with Gerard - Milan, aged nine, and Sasha, aged 7

Shakira and Gerard were  to gether for a long time  and are yet to decide on  the custody of the kids

Shakira announced her split with the Spanish football player in June.

Shakira added, “It’s been tough not only for me,  but also for my kids.

The couple has been together for more than  11 years having started dating in 2010.

The pair have two children together

They met in the 2010 South Africa World Cup when  Gerard was featured in the  music video for Shakira`s  "Waka Waka" the tournament`s official song

Shakira and Gerard were together for a long time  and Having announced the  separation in June  this year.