Colombian singer Shakira has confirmed her separation from Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, with whom she has two children.

"We regret to confirm that we are separating," Shakira said in a statement. "For the welfare of out kids, who are our top priority, we ask for respect for our privacy. Thanks for you understanding."

Reports had surfaced that the two had split up and that Pique had moved out of the family home into a flat he has in Barcelona.

Shakira, 45, and Pique, 35, has been together for 12 years but have never married. They have two kids, Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7.