Shakira has spoken candidly about co-parenting her two children with ex Gerard Piqué. The singer, 46, opened up about raising her sons – Milan, 10, and Sasha, eight – in an interview with Billboard published on 21 September. She described some of the challenges she had throughout the last year, while managing her responsibilities as both a singer and mother. “The last time I released an album was six years ago,” she said. “Now I can release music at a faster clip, although sometimes I think being a single mom and the rhythm of a pop star aren’t compatible. I have to put my kids to bed, go to the recording studio; everything is uphill.” Shakira addressed how she’s adjusting to being a single parent, after announcing her breakup with the Spanish soccer star last year. She also expressed how important it is for her to be involved in her sons’ lives. “When you don’t have a husband who can stay home with the kids, it’s constant juggling because I like to be a present mom and I need to be there every moment with my children,” she said. “Take them to school, have breakfast with them, take them to play dates. And aside from that, I have to make money.” The “Waka Waka” singer continued to poke fun at the stresses of being a working mother, noting that she’s only had the chance to go to the gym “a couple of times” throughout the last year. She also quipped about needing to take some downtime in the midst of her busy schedule. “I don’t know how long it’s been since I got a massage. I have torticollis!” she said. “Something’s got to give. My neck. My traps. That’s what gives. It’s hard to do everything.” In June 2022, the Colombian singer and the former professional footballer announced their separation after 11 years of dating. Shakira – who recently moved from Spain to Miami with her children – also reflected on ending her relationship with Piqué. She noted that she once believed in that “till death do us part” with her former partner, describing it as a “dream” she had for herself and her children. She acknowledged that while her relationship didn’t work out, she has continued to move forward in the hopes of finding a marriage that’s similar to her parents’ relationship. “My parents have been together for, I don’t know, 50 years, and they love each other like the first day, with a love that’s unique and unrepeatable. So I know it’s possible,” she said. “My mom doesn’t leave my [sick] father’s side. They still kiss on the mouth. And it has always been my example. It’s what I wanted for myself and my children, but it didn’t happen. If life gives you lemons, you have to make lemonade. That’s what I’m doing: making lemonade.” When asked if she’d one day look back on the challenges that she’s faced “in a positive light”, Shakira said she didn’t think that anything “can compensate for the pain of destroying a family”. However, she still said that her family has kept her motivated, as she’s adjusted to everyday life without Piqué by her side. “Of course, I have to keep going for my children’s sake; that’s my greatest motivation,” she said. “But my biggest dream, more than collecting platinum albums and Grammys, was to raise my sons with their father. Overcome obstacles and grow old together. I know I’m not getting that now.” She also told Billboard that throughout the last year, one surprising thing she’s learned about herself is just how strong she is. Shakira specified that she previously thought that she was “weaker,” given how she “used to crumble before the stupidest problems”. “I’d create a drama because I chipped my tooth or that kind of stuff. But maturing, going through truly difficult things, gives you a sense of perspective and empathy,” she said. “You learn how to value the good moments and how not to amplify the bad ones.” In April, the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer first took to Instagram to reflect on her last nine years living in Spain with Piqué, as she announced her move to Miami. “I settled in Barcelona to give my children stability, the same we are now looking for in another corner of the world next to family, friends and the sea,” she wrote in the post, which was translated from Spanish to English on Instagram. “Today, we start a new chapter in the pursuit of their happiness.” Months before her move, Shakira had also opened up about how she’s been prioritising herself and her children. During an interview with En Punto con Enrique Acevedo in February, she said she experienced a change in perspective, confessing that she once believed that a woman needed a man to complete herself. “I’ve always been very emotionally dependent [on men] – I have to confess this. I was in love with love,” she explained. “One way or another, I’ve managed to learn it from another perspective and feel that I’ll be fine on my own. When a woman has to face [hardships] in life, she comes out stronger. When you come out stronger it means you’re learning to recognise your weaknesses and accept your vulnerability.” She acknowledged how “complete” she feels with her children by her side, adding: “I feel like I can depend on myself and I have two kids who depend on me.” Meanwhile, Piqué broke his silence about his ex in March, only months after he went Instagram official with his new girlfriend, Clara Chia Marti. During an interview with Spanish El Pais, he discussed why he didn’t publicly address his breakup with Shakira. ​​“Everyone has their responsibility to try to do what is best for their children,” he explained. “It is about protecting them. That is the job of all parents with children. That is what I am focused on and that is my job as a father.” Read More Shakira spotlights nanny ‘fired’ by ex Gerard Piqué in new music video Shakira attends VMAs alongside her two sons she shares with ex Gerard Piqué Taylor Swift and SZA lead 2023 MTV Video Music Award nominations Taylor Swift and Shakira lead the charge in slit dresses at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards Shakira attends VMAs alongside two sons she shares with ex Gerard Piqué Comedian Ashley Blaker on why he wants to ‘change the conversation’ around children with special needs

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The Republic of Ireland will attempt to launch a strong finish to a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign when they welcome Greece to the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening. Stephen Kenny’s men saw hopes of automatic qualification effectively go up in smoke last month when they were beaten by Group B rivals France in Paris and the Netherlands in Dublin, leaving them with just three points from their five games to date. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding a game in which there is little more than pride at stake for the hosts. Curtains for Kenny? Despite inheriting an Ireland squad which had secured a Euro 2020 play-off place on which they were ultimately unable to cash in, Kenny stated from early in his reign that qualification for Euro 2024 was his target. Barring an unlikely series of results, the Republic will not make it to Germany automatically and even another ticket for the play-offs looks unlikely as a result of their poor Nations League record. A review of the manager’s tenure will take place next month, but even some of Kenny’s most staunch supporters are starting to turn. Greek tragedy The Group B draw left both Ireland and Greece, who were already assured of a play-off spot, facing a difficult task to deny France and the Netherlands the top two berths and as such, the games between the two were going to be crucial. Kenny’s men travelled to Athens in June knowing victory would put them in a strong position from which to mount an attack; they left on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline and with the alarm bells already ringing after just two games. Matt finish? Matt Doherty in particular did not enjoy his trip to the Greek capital. With his side trailing to Anastasios Bakasetas’ penalty and a second from Girogos Masouras after Nathan Collins had levelled, the defender was sent off after a needless clash with Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas. He and his team-mates were less than happy with the behaviour of some of the Greece players during the game and there is a hunger for a measure of revenge within the camp. When Irish eyes are spying Greece boss Gus Poyet was a satisfied man after the win at the OPAP Arena, claiming afterwards that he had anticipated what Ireland would do and had therefore been able to combat it. Ireland assistant manager Keith Andrews this week suggested the Uruguayan had enlisted the help of Irish contacts to draw up his masterplan. Time will tell if he has been able to do so once again. Evan help us Last month’s 2-0 defeat in Paris and the 2-1 reverse at the hands of the Dutch which followed it might have been different had Kenny been able to call upon one of his emerging stars. Eighteen-year-old Brighton striker Evan Ferguson was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a knee injury, robbing Ireland of their most potent weapon. Ferguson is back and primed and Ireland expects. Read More Abbas Miski: Huge honour to be first Lebanese player to feature in Grand Final Sam Tomkins to haunt his former side? – Super League Grand Final talking points Stephen Kenny: Republic of Ireland must still believe in Euro 2024 qualification New Wales international Regan Poole: I owe a lot to Manchester United Talking points as Marseille and Paris prepare to host World Cup quarter-finals Conor Murray says New Zealand-born trio ‘so important’ to Ireland World Cup bid

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Uncle Albert was a key part of the success of the timeless comedy Only Fools and Horses for years, but people are only just releasing how ripped he is. Only fools and horses work out, it seems… Buster Merryfield played the part of Rodney and Del Boy’s uncle on the hit show from series four onwards, replacing the late Lennard Pearce who played Grandad. His character was known for living an unhealthy lifestyle, smoking and drinking as he regaled Rodney and Del Boy with tall tales from his time in the Navy. But the reality couldn’t be further from the truth, as Merryfield was the model of health off-camera. He spoke back in 1997 revealing that he’d never smoked or drank in his life, and use to be a successful boxer in his youth. Merryfield was a keen exerciser too, swimming regularly well into his 70s. The last episode may have aired back in 2003, but people are only just appreciating how jacked Uncle Albert was in the show. A Twitter/X user shared a pair of screengrabs from the series, adding the caption: “Is it just me or is Uncle Albert f***ing hench?” The post sparked a big reaction from fans of the show, with one joking: “Well he did used to box in the Navy.” Another vibed: “This is the standard old man build for Peckham, only way to have survived it back then. Hit the weights or get weighed in.” "Buster Merryfield was a unit mate... Had great shape, you wouldn't want to receive a real life 'Trotter's Trembler',” another commented. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings

By Pavel Polityuk KYIV Ukrainian grain and oilseeds crop sector losses could exceed $3.2 billion in 2023 due

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