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      Shakira & Gerard Pique speak out in joint statement after custody deal paves way for her move to Miami with sons, 9 & 7

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      SHAKIRA and Gerard Pique have confirmed they have signed a child custody agreement that will avoid them warring in court.The 45-year-old Colombian pop star will relocate to Florida with sons Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven, early in the New Year after reaching a deal with the recently retired footballer.
      Shakira and Gerard Pique with their sons Milan and SashaCredit: Instagram
      Pique played his final game for Barcelona on Saturday as he said an emotional goodbye to fansCredit: Rex
      Shakira released a new song last month which some fans have seen as a reference to PiqueCredit: AFP
      Pique broke down in tears on Saturday at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium during an emotional farewell speech after retiring from football.
      The couple released a statement – signed ‘Shakira and Gerard’ – yesterday afternoon following a marathon 12-hour meeting with their lawyers which ended in the early hours.
      “We have signed an agreement that guarantees the welfare of our children and that will be ratified in court as part of a mere formal procedure,” they said.
      “Our sole objective is to provide them with the upmost security and protection, and we trust that their privacy will be respected.
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      “We appreciate the interest shown and hope that the children can continue with their lives with the necessary privacy in a safe and calm environment.”
      Shakira’s wish to move to the city where she used to live and part of her family are based is understood to have been the principal sticking point in the couple’s previous failure to strike an out-of-court settlement. 
      The summit meeting ended with a deal lifting the main stumbling block in the couple’s ongoing attempts to reach an out-of-court settlement.
      The talks happened on Monday afternoon at their former family home in Esplugues de Llobregat on the outskirts of Barcelona. 
      It didn’t finish until the early hours of Tuesday morning according to local press.
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      The negotiations were described as “intense” by respected Catalan daily El Periodico.
      Rival La Vanguardia, which also reported on the agreement “after 12 hours of negotiation” added: “Milan and Sasha will go with Shakira to Miami.
      “The children will spend Christmas in Barcelona but as soon as 2023 begins, the footballer will say goodbye and assume a painful sacrifice so that the youngsters don’t experience an even more traumatic separation between their parents.
      “He will be able to cross the Atlantic Ocean to see them whenever he wants. The costs will be borne by both of them.”
      The pair announced they had split in May following unconfirmed claims Pique was cheating on his long-term partner with a younger woman.
      Shakira’s split from Pique after a relationship lasting 11 years had become the soap opera of the summer in Spain and elsewhere as their chosen careers took a back seat to lurid reports about their private life.
      On Saturday Pique was filmed kissing and cuddling his new girlfriend Clara Chia in the stands at Barcelona’s stadium after his emotional farewell tribute.
      Read More on The Sun
      The pair hugged each other and locked lips as they chatted with friends.
      Shakira appeared to hit out at her ex in a new song she released last month called Monotonia with references to the “narcissism” and “cold as Christmas” attitude of a man she is breaking up with. More

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      Nine stars who played for Man Utd and Barcelona, from four-time Champions League winner to winger who flopped at BOTH

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Barcelona will be no strangers when they take each other on in the Europa League.The Reds Devils will play the La Liga giants in February next year in the tournament’s preliminary round.
      FC Barcelona attacker Memphis Depay is one of nine stars that also played for Manchester UnitedCredit: EPA
      The two clubs have locked horns on 13 occasions, with United only winning three of them.
      The pair have enjoyed having some of the best players to ever grace the game, and at times, these players have played for both.
      Nine players have played for both clubs with varying levels of success.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic
      The Swedish striker played for Barcelona between 2009 and 2011 but struggled to hit his best form and returned to Serie A.
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      He later joined United in 2016 following his exit from PSG and enjoyed a successful spell at Old Trafford as he won the Europa League and EFL Cup.
      Gerard Pique
      The recently retired long-standing Barcelona defender spent four years at Old Trafford between 2004 and 2008 in which he made 12 appearances in the Premier League.
      Pique returned to Barcelona and would go on to win pretty much everything possible in his career at the domestic and international levels.
      Alexis Sanchez
      The Chilean was a star in Catalonia during his three-year stint between 2011 and 2014 and got even better when he moved to the Premier League.
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      However for United fans this was to Arsenal and when he did eventually move to their club, he was a tremendous failure for two years.
      Memphis Depay
      Another winger that failed to cut the cloth at United, the dutchman was signed as one of the most promising youngsters in Europe from PSV but failed to consistently perform.
      Depay would rebuild his reputation in France with Lyon before moving to Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021.
      He has done well at the Nou Camp but has not become a regular starter under manager Xavi.
      Laurent Blanc
      The former France defender spent a single season at Barcelona in 1996 and would later move to Manchester United in the final years of his career.
      Blanc spent two seasons with the Red Devils between 2001 and 2003 before retiring from playing.
      Victor Valdes
      The Spanish shot-stopper is a legendary figure at the Nou Camp as he won everything possible as well as appearing over 500 times for the club.
      He joined United in 2015 after his contract expired, but failed to dislodge David De Gea in goal and only played twice in the Premier League before leaving the club in 2016.
      Henrik Larsson
      Another Swedish striker, Larsson had a mixed spell at Barcelona as he only scored 13 La Liga goals in 40 appearances and would leave the club to rejoin Swedish side Helsingborg.
      He would then move to the Red Devils on loan in January 2007, a spell in which he would score three times in 13 appearances in all competitions.
      Jordi Cruyff
      The former attacking midfielder is the son of iconic player Johan Cruyff and spent two years with Barcelona between 1994 and 1996.
      He then left the club for Old Trafford where he would spend the next three years of his career before a loan spell to Celta Vigo in 1999.
      Mark Hughes
      The current Bradford City manager spent two years away from Manchester United between 1986 and 1988, the first was at Barcelona and then the second was a loan spell at Bayern Munich.
      He returned to United in 1988 and would go on to play there for seven more years before leaving for Chelsea. More

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      Shakira set to move to Miami with two children after thrashing out agreement with Barcelona legend

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      SHAKIRA is set to move to Miami next year with her two children as part of an agreement thrashed out between her and Gerard Pique’s lawyers at a marathon 12-hour meeting.The 45-year-old Colombian pop star will relocate to Florida with sons Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven, early in the New Year according to Catalan press.
      Pique played his final game for Barcelona on Saturday as he said an emotional goodbye to fansCredit: Rex
      Shakira released a new song last month which some fans have seen as a reference to PiqueCredit: AFP
      Pique, who broke down in tears on Saturday at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium during an emotional farewell speech after retiring from football, is said to have ceded to Shakira’s wishes to avoid an ugly court divorce battle. 
      The summit meeting ended with a deal lifting the main stumbling block in the couple’s ongoing attempts to reach an out-of-court settlement.
      The talks happened on Monday afternoon at their former family home in Esplugues de Llobregat on the outskirts of Barcelona. 
      It didn’t finish until the early hours of this morning/yesterday morning (TUE) according to local press.
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      The negotiations were described as “intense” by respected Catalan daily El Periodico.
      Rival La Vanguardia, which also reported on the agreement “after 12 hours of negotiation” added: “Milan and Sasha will go with Shakira to Miami.
      “The children will spend Christmas in Barcelona but as soon as 2023 begins, the footballer will say goodbye and assume a painful sacrifice so that the youngsters don’t experience an even more traumatic separation between their parents.
      “He will be able to cross the Atlantic Ocean to see them whenever he wants. The costs will be borne by both of them.”
      Most read in Football
      Shakira’s split from Pique after a relationship lasting 11 years had become the soap opera of the summer in Spain and elsewhere as their chosen careers took a back seat to lurid reports about their private life.
      On Saturday Pique was filmed kissing and cuddling his new girlfriend Clara Chia in the stands at Barcelona’s stadium after his emotional farewell tribute.
      The pair hugged each other and locked lips as they chatted with friends.
      Shakira appeared to hit out at her ex in a new song she released last month called Monotonia with references to the “narcissism” and “cold as Christmas” attitude of a man she is breaking up with. More

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      Gerard Pique packs on PDA as Barcelona star hugs and kisses new girlfriend 12 years his junior after Shakira split

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      GERARD PIQUE put on a public display of affection by kissing and hugging his new girlfriend after his emotional Barcelona farewell tribute.The 35-year-old dad-of-two, whose two sons also attended the celebration, showed he has nothing to hide now his 11-year relationship with Colombian singer Shakira is over.

      Pique bid farewell to Barca at the weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Pique with new girlfriend ChiaCredit: Twitter/@argentinaminuto
      He locked lips with Clara Chia, 23, and put his arms round her.
      The pair cuddled up to each other as they chatted with friends in the stands at the Camp Nou after Pique played his last game for Barcelona and retired from professional football.
      Spanish sports television network Gol Play filmed the memorable moment and wrote alongside the footage it posted on Twitter Gol Direct: “The first kiss of @gerardpique after the tribute.
      “The centre back shared this special day with his loved ones.”
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      A match commentator said as a cameraman approached Pique and Clara and they realised their romantic scene was being filmed but continued to embrace each other: “Look at this image.
      “Gerard Pique’s first kiss after receiving the tribute from the Camp Nou spectators.
      “Happy, satisfied, accompanied by his family and those who most love him.
      “It’s the last image Gerard Pique has left us with on his day, on the day he said goodbye to his team.”
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      The former Man Utd defender shocked the football world on Thursday by announcing on his Twitter Saturday’s game against Almeria would be his last in a Barcelona shirt and his final game as a professional footballer.
      He made 397 appearances for the Catalan giants, scoring 29 times, and was capped 102 times for Spain at senior level.
      He said in an emotional message accompanying footage of him gazing over the Catalan capital from a balcony and throwback pictures and video of him as a young child in a Barcelona shirt: “It’s been 25 years since I joined Barca.
      “I left and I came back. Football has given me everything. You, culés, have given me everything.
      “And now that all that kid’s dreams have come true, I want to tell you that now is the time to bring this journey to an end.”
      Confirming he was quitting professional football halfway through the season, he added: “I will become a regular fan, I will support the team, I will pass my love for Barca to my children, like my family did with me.”
      Pique made a tearful speech on the pitch at Camp Nou on Saturday night, saying “I was born here and I will die here” after playing in most of Barcelona’s 2-0 victory before being substituted late on to rapturous applause from home fans.
      The football star’s relationship with Barcelona-born beauty Clara emerged shortly after he and Shakira announced in May they had split after 11 years and two children together.
      His personal life has been under the media spotlight ever since and has been cited as one of the reasons for his shock football retirement decision.
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      Pique and Clara are said to have met at his firm Kosmos where she works.
      Spanish news website Niusdiario reported last week the couple are now living together at Pique’s luxury city centre penthouse apartment in Barcelona and are planning to start a family.
      Pique and Shakira have called time on their 11-year relationshipCredit: Getty More

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      Gerard Pique and boss Xavi in tears as retiring Barcelona defender given incredible ovation at Nou Camp after final game

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      GERARD PIQUE broke down in tears as he said an emotional goodbye to Barcelona fans after playing his final match for the club.The centre-back announced his plans to hang up his boots earlier this week after 14 years at the Nou Camp.
      Gerard Pique said an emotional goodbye to Barcelona fans after his final matchCredit: Reuters
      The defender struggled to to fight back the tears as he addressed the Nou CampCredit: EPA
      Pique ended up sobbing his eyes out as he said farewell to his fellow CatalansCredit: REUTERS
      Pique was given an hero’s send-off by his Barca team-matesCredit: Reuters
      Pique, 35, was given a rousing reception from the Nou Camp faithful ahead of their match with Almeria.
      He walked onto the pitch with his sons Milan and Sasha who were mascots for their dad’s big day.
      Pique played 85 minutes as second-half goals from Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie de Jong earned a 2-0 win to send Barca top of LaLiga.
      But as the game entered its dying embers, it was clear and evident that emotion was getting the better of the former Manchester United man.
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      And it all got too much for the former Spain international when given a rapturous ovation from 95,000 fans inside the Nou Camp as he was replaced by Andreas Christensen with five minutes remaining.
      Pique fought back the tears as he walked off the pitch one last time, and embraced boss, and former team-mate, Xavi, who was himself in floods of tears.
      Pique then broke down in tears himself as he addressed his fellow Catalans in his farewell speech.
      He said: “In life, when you get older, you realize that sometimes to love is to let go. I’m convinced that I’ll be here again in the future.
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      “I love Barca. That’s why I consider it’s the right moment to go. This is not a goodbye. I was born here, I’ll die here”.
      Pique’s former team-mate and now former manager Xavi also broke down as his countryman called time on his trophy-laden career.
      The defender was given a hero’s send-off by his team-mates, who hoisted him in the air as fans bellowed out his name one last time.
      Pique announced his retirement in a shocking statement on Friday, in which he said: “Football has given me everything.
      “Barcelona has given me everything.
      “You, culers (Barcelona fans), have given me everything.
      Pique’s sons joined him on the pitch as he said farewellCredit: REUTERS
      Pique leaves Barcelona having won La Liga eight times and lifting the Champions League trophies three timesCredit: GETTY
      “And now that [this] kid’s dreams have come true, I want to tell you that I’ve decided that now is the time to bring this journey to its end.
      “I’ve always said that there would not be any other team after Barca and that’s how it will be.
      “I will become a regular fan. I will support the team.
      “I will pass my love for Barcelona to my children. And you know me – sooner or later, I’ll be back.”
      Pique retires with an incredible haul of winners’ medals to his name – which includes World Cup and European Championship gongs with Spain.
      The defender won La Liga eight times with his boyhood club and lifted the Champions League trophy three times.
      He also won the Copa del Rey seven times during his 15 seasons at Nou Camp.
      Read More on The Sun
      Additionally, he also claimed Premier League and Champions League winners medals during his four-year stint with Manchester United.
      He had endured a difficult season so far at Barca, having struggled for form and dealt with a high-profile separation from long-term partner Shakira. More

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      Gerard Pique retiring is set to save Barcelona £44MILLION with boss Xavi hailing it a ‘gesture of spectacular greatness’

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      BARCELONA boss Xavi hailed Gerard Pique ‘gesture of spectacular greatness’ as the legend gave up £44million by retiring mid-contract.Centre-back Pique, 35, played 615 games in 14 years with Barca but is now mainly on the bench since Xavi told him in the summer he’d only be a bit-part player for the cash-strapped giants.
      Gerard Pique has been praised for his incredible generosity as he forsake a huge sum from his contract to retire after 14 glorious years at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      Barcelona manager Xavi saluted Pique’s gesture and revealed how difficult it was to tell the icon he wouldn’t be a regular this seasonCredit: AFP
      But rather than see out his deal until 2024, the 102-cap Spaniard has opted to bow out at home to Almeria in LaLiga this Saturday.
      Marca calculate the ex-Manchester United youngster has saved Barcelona around £44m in wages as they struggle with debts and Financial Fair Play.
      Former team-mate Xavi said: “Pique is a player who still has a contract and who could have continued at the club, so his gesture shows spectacular greatness.
      “We had a private conversation at the beginning of the summer. 
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      “I had to explain my intentions to him and it was one of the most difficult moments I’ve had to do as a coach.
      “We heard about Pique’s decision this week. Surely I have had an important weight in making this decision, but the truth is that I have to make decisions and in many situations someone else played over Pique.
      “For me it is not a relief that he is leaving now. It is a personal decision for him, due to the circumstances and due to the conversation we had in the summer.”
      Former midfield genius Xavi, 42, reluctant to elaborate on his awkward pre-season chat with Pique.
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      But he said: “I’ve tried to be honest with Pique… the footballer always feels when you don’t play him, the coach is to be blamed.
      “That’s why I say that sometimes the job of a coach is unpleasant because you have to make difficult decisions. The conversation we had is private.” 
      Pique won 30 trophies with his boyhood and hometown club Barca, including three Champions League successes and eight LaLiga crowns. More

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      Barcelona legend Gerard Pique announces he’s LEAVING club in emotional video after 14-year spell and will retire aged 35

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      GERARD PIQUE has announced he is leaving Barcelona after 14 years and will RETIRE from football.The Spaniard revealed the news in a touching video on social media, in which he said Saturday’s game will be his last at the Camp Nou.

      Gerard Pique announced he will be leaving BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Pique showed off some old footage of him as a youngster in the academyCredit: Twitter @3gerardpique
      The Spaniard grew up on the teachings of Barca’s legendary academyCredit: Twitter @3gerardpique
      Pique concluded the video with by reaffirming his love for BarcelonaCredit: Twitter @3gerardpique
      In the video which runs for just over two minutes, Pique reflects on his time with the club which he joined back in 2008 from Manchester United.
      The 35-year-old has gone on to make well over 600 appearances for the club.
      And he has been a stalwart for the club throughout his long service.
      With the Spanish giants he won a mighty collection of 31 trophies including four Champions League’s and eight La Liga titles.
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      Towards the end of the the emotional video, Pique said: “I have always said that after Barcelona there wouldn’t be another team and that’s the way it will be.
      “This Saturday will be my last game in the Camp Nou.
      “I will become a regular fan. I will support the team. I will pass my love of Barca to my children like my family did with me.
      “And you know me. Sooner or later. I’ll be back.
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      “I’ll see you at the Camp Nou. Long live Barca. Always.”
      Pique’s football career began in Barcelona’s iconic La Masia academy.
      The defender showed off clips of his days as a youngster while in the academy during his video farewell.
      Pique was also a vital cog in Spain team which dominated international football for a time as he won the 2012 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
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      Overall, Pique will retire knowing that he has one of the most impressive trophy collections of any player – with a whopping 37 trophies for club and country.
      However, Pique has endured a rough few months both on and off the pitch, seeing himself relegated to the bench and splitting up from partner Shakira.
      Pique will retire with a staggering 37 trophies to his nameCredit: Getty
      Pique celebrates winning the 2010 World Cup alongside Cesc FabregasCredit: AFP More

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      AC Milan join Barcelona in transfer chase for Chelsea star Jorginho who could leave for FREE in summer

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      THE future for Jorginho is heating up after AC Milan reportedly entered the transfer race to sign him next summer.Chelsea star Jorginho is free to leave the club when if his contract is not renewed by next summer.
      Jorginho celebrates a man of the match award after Chelsea’s win over SalzburgCredit: PA
      Barcelona have been an interested party for some time now.
      However, despite Barcelona’s long-term interest in the Italian who has reportedly already made a transfer commitment to them, they are no longer the only ones with an interest.
      According to Spanish outlet Sport, Serie A champions Milan are best-positioned alongside Barcelona to sign the 30-year-old.
      They report the two clubs have “taken the lead” and made “important moves” to push a deal through.
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      Barcelona want Jorginho as a replacement for legend Sergio Busquets, whose own contract is running out next summer as well.
      The pair play the same position and are both good on the ball, with the “Barcelona DNA” demanding technically proficient players.
      But Sport’s report indicates his next move could come down to the contract offered to him.
      In this sense, the Blaugrana are at an instant disadvantage due to their already soaring wage bill, their precarious finances, and the relatively low tax level in Italy.
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      Previous reports have suggested that Jorginho has already rejected a contract proposal from Chelsea due to wanting a package worth £150,000 per week.
      Jorginho has previous experience in Serie A, spending his entire career in Italy prior to his Chelsea move in 2018.
      Four of those years were spent at Napoli, with ex-boss Maurizio Sarri coaxing him into the Chelsea transfer. More