Popstar Shakira and her former partner Gerard Piqué were in an open relationship for ‘three years’ before their bitter separation, the footballer’s close family and friends have claimed.

Shakira and her former partner Gerard Piqué were reportedly in an “open relationship” before they split.

Last year, the former golden couple announced they had decided to split after 11 years of being together which sparked speculation that Piqué had been unfaithful – claims he denies.

Since their split, Barcelona ace Piqué has since embarked on a new relationship with Clara Chia Marti, 24, which added to speculation that he had cheated.

Sources now claim that Gerard, 36, was stunned to learn that his former partner had announced their decision to split.

New claims suggest that the Waka Waka singer and Gerard were in an “open relationship” for up to three years prior to their decision to separate from one another.

Spanish broadcaster José Antonio Avilés claimed: “There is an agreement where ‘you do what you want and I do what I want’, but in the face of the media we are still a couple.”

It’s reported that the claims came from those closest to Piqué who also claim he was left in a state of disbelief after his former girlfriend took to social media to announce their split.

“He has been annoyed to find out from the press,” Avilés added.

Meanwhile, fellow broadcaster Pilar Vidal added: “Pique does not want speculation that the reason for the breakup was infidelity.

“He was surprised by the statement because the one who takes the initiative is her.”

Shakira dropped an ultimate bombshell and claimed that while her father William Mebarak was gravely ill, she discovered that Gerard had allegedly been unfaithful to her.]

Speaking to People en Español, she said: “Everything happened at once, my home was falling apart.

“I was finding out through the press that I had been betrayed while my dad was in the ICU.”

Shakira took to Instagram in June 2022 to announce their plans to split, stating: “We regret to confirm that we are parting ways. For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”

It was alleged that she discovered he had been cheating after discovering a jar of jam in their kitchen fridge – something she and their children do not eat.

Since their decision to part ways, Shakira has lashed out at Piqué in a song titled Sessions and she didn’t hold back as she discussed Gerard and his new girlfriend Clara.