I couldn’t do that when I was their age — Gerard Pique gushes over his children amid rift with ex-partner Shakira

Gerard Piqué is no stranger to making headlines, even in retirement.

The former Barcelona star has kept himself firmly in the public eye, juggling his Kings League project with various business ventures in sports and entertainment. 

But while his professional pursuits continue to thrive, it's his personal life that often steals the spotlight — especially with the ongoing tension between him and his ex-partner Shakira.

Recently, the 38-year-old sat down for a candid chat on Spursito & Company, hosted by Martí Miràs, known as Spursito.

 While the interview touched on several topics, it was Piqué’s heartfelt reflections on fatherhood that truly stood out.

During the interview, Piqué opened up about the differences between his own schooling experience and the modern educational model his children, Milan (10) and Sasha (9), now receive.

 The Barca legend expressed admiration for how today's education system emphasises skills like public speaking — something he wished he had learned earlier.

"There was no public speaking, they didn't teach you to speak in public. Then they give you a microphone and it's difficult. You have to know how to argue things, you have to know how to explain them," Piqué said as reported by E-noticies.

He then went on to criticise the lack of emphasis on communication skills during his own school years, saying:

"They interview you or you have to give a presentation of twenty minutes or half an hour... There are people who have a very hard time, who truly have traumas and it's because that wasn't worked on."

Despite the turbulence in his personal life, Piqué couldn't hide his pride when talking about his children's academic achievements.

"My kids... It's amazing... I mean, at 10 years old, at 9 years old... They give presentations... They prepare things that make you say dude, I didn't do that, not even at fifteen or sixteen... It's very impressive," the ex-footballer gushed.

While the relationship between Piqué and Shakira remains strained following their high-profile split, it's clear the doting dad is still in awe of the two young stars they’re raising together.

Shakira recently took a direct shot at Pique’s new relationship with Clara Chia, during a fiery live performance in Brazil, tweaking the lyrics of one of her most famous tracks to make her feelings crystal clear.  

According to GOAL and also reported by Inkl, instead of singing, "she’s got perfect friends," Shakira switched it up to "she shares your stupid friends," a clear reference to the social circle she once shared with Piqué. 

But the ultimate burn came when she belted out:

"She works for you for free, don’t make her lose her mind. She's more than you deserve, and yet she’s still not better than me."  

Although the ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ singer and Piqué share two sons, Milan and Sasha, their post-breakup relationship has been anything but smooth. 

The former couple have not held back, occasionally calling each other out over speculation surrounding their shock split in 2022.