 In a 2009 interview, Shakira stated their relationship already worked as a married couple, and that "they don't need papers for that".After 10 years together, Shakira and de la Rúa separated in August 2010 in what she described as "a mutual decision to take time apart from our romantic relationship".She wrote that the couple "view this period of separation as temporary", with de la Rúa overseeing Shakira's "business and career interests as he has always done".