Shakira requests press to stand back as sons begin new life post Gerard Piqué split

Shakira has made a humble request to the press to keep her sons out of the spotlight as they begin their new life in the aftermath of her and Gerard Piqué's breakup.

In a post on Twitter the Colombian singer wrote how difficult it was for her and her sons Sasha and Milan to handle paparazzi in Barcelona when news of Piqué's infidelity came to light.

"Respected friends, journalists, and media outlets,” she began.

"In this period of change in my life as a public figure, it's understandable that there is a permanent curiosity on behalf of the press around me and my family," she wrote. "However, my children, Milan and Sasha, have endured a very difficult year, suffering incessant harassment and persecution without relief by the paparazzi and several media outlets in Barcelona."

"Now that they are beginning a new life," Shakira's message continued, "I implore the media on behalf of my children to please respect their right to privacy."

"I beg you to abstain from following them to the entrance and exit of their school, wait for them at the door of our home, or follow them to their extracurricular and recreational activities as the media did in Barcelona with the intent of capturing photos or boosting ratings," she requested.

"I trust that the journalists and photographers here will be sensitive to the situation," she added, "and that Milan and Sasha are facing and can behave in the more humane way possible with them, keeping in mind that this is about the physical and emotional health and safety of two minors just 8 and 10 years of age."

She concluded her statement writing that as "a mother who wishes to protect and care for the psychological and emotional well-being of my children so they may live a happy and healthy life, as all children deserve to do."