Gerard Piqué has brutally admitted that he preferred to spend time on the football pitch rather than be intimate with his estranged wife Shakira.
The former Barcelona player, 36, and the Colombian songstress, 46, split last year after 11 years of marriage. And the pair have continued to have sly remarks regarding the relationship in the bitter moments that have followed.
However, it's an interview from before the pair split that has turned heads after resurfacing this week. In the comments, Piqué revealed he would rather play football than share intimate moments.
In a chat with Jordi Wild on The Wild Project, the former footballer opened up on his enjoyment of people with mixed feelings on the sidelines at the matches.
"It's a pleasure [to do it], there's nothing comparable in the world," the sportsman said. "It is that I would tell you that not even sex [equals it]."
The presenter then took a chance and joked about what his then-wife Shakira must think of his comments: "[She] must be clapping her hands and thank you right now,” he commented.
"Well, I don't think so, really," he said.
Since then, the pair have split and speculation has suggested the pair were in an "open relationship" by the end of their time together.
New claims suggest that the Waka Waka singer and Pique 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."
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