Shakira thanks soccer for changing her life
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}July 12, 2014. Colombian pop star singer Shakira poses for a photo during an interview in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (The Associated Press)
Preparing to perform at her third World Cup, pop star Shakira says she thanks football for changing her life.
Shakira says she "will never forget that I met the love of my life at the World Cup."
She and Spain defender Gerard Pique met when promoting her 2010 World Cup anthem, "Waka Waka — Time for Africa," and the couple have an 18-month-old son.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Speaking ahead of Sunday's closing ceremony concert, Shakira says "if it wasn't for the World Cup my son Milan would not be here."
In Maracana Stadium before the Argentina vs. Germany final she will perform "La La La (Brazil 2014)" with Brazilian musician Carlinhos Brown.
Shakira says though Pique was affected by defending champion Spain's early exit, "I have a way of consoling him."