On Monday (January 10), Colombian pop singer Shakira announced on her blog that she and longtime beau lawyer and investment banker Antonio de la Rúa had separated in August 2010 after 11 years together, reports Us magazine.
The songstress wrote in a letter on her website that the couple had made "a mutual decision to take time apart from our romantic relationship,” and that they "view this period of separation as temporary and as a time of individual growth as we continue to be partners in our business and professional lives," with de la Rúa overseeing Shakira’s "business and career interests as he has always done.”
“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 that we share for one another we have been an exceptional couple and partners.”
An insider added, "There was no big drama, it’s just one of those things where they had been together a long time and realized they were more friends and business partners than lovers. It’s sad, but they could get back together. They just needed a break."