Colombian popstar Shakira has revealed that her relationship with Barcelona defender Gerard Pique works because she allows him to have his "own world".

The 36-year-old has been in a relationship with the Spain international, who helped Barca lift the La Liga title last season, since 2010.

"He has his own world and that's actually one of the healthiest things about the relationship," Shakira told Elle magazine.

"I know that he's the one person who is with me not because of any interest other than the love than unites us. There's nothing I can offer him beyond my womanhood – does that word exist in English?"

The pair became parents to son Milan four months ago.