SHAKIRA LIFTS LID ON ‘DARKEST HOUR’

Pop star SHAKIRA is breaking her silence about her split from partner GERARD PIQUÉ, describing it as “her darkest hour.”

“It’s hard to talk about it, especially because I’m still going through it . . . It’s been tough not only for me, but also for my kids,” the Colombian singer says in the latest issue of American Elle magazine.

Though they never married, Shakira (45) and Gerard’s separation this June came as a shock to fans. The two were together for 12 years and have two sons, Milan (9) and Sasha (7). During their romance, they lived in Barcelona so Gerard (35) could continue his career at FC Barcelona – though moving to the US would’ve been better for her singing career, Shakira says.

“I put my career in second gear and came to Spain to support him so he could play football and win titles. And it was a sacrifice of love,” the Can’t Remember to Forget You hitmaker told Elle.

Neither has addressed claims that the footballer cheated on the singer toward the end of their relationship, but Gerard has since been linked to Spanish student Clara Chia Marti (23).

Sly and his wife of 25 years, Jennifer Flavin, have pressed pause on their divorce proceedings.

Shakira announced her split from Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué in June this year.