Shakira and Antonio de la Rua, her boyfriend of 11 years, have broken up

Shakira and Antonio de la Rua, her boyfriend of 11 years, have broken up, the pair told the Spanish-language newspaper El Pais.

In a letter to the paper, Shakira and de la Rua, her agent and the son of former Argentine President Fernando de la Rua will continue to work together, and call the split "temporary."

In October 2009, Shakira told Rolling Stone that, "My body feels like it is asking to reproduce, to have a huge belly and carry babies."

The letter ollows below:
 Dear Friends,
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.
However, since August 2010, we made a mutual decision to take time apart from our romantic relationship. Throughout this time we have continued to work together hand in hand, have remained close and have kept the details absolutely private until now.
We 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.