Shakira, Gerard Pique welcome baby boy Milan

Colombian pop star Shakira and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique on Wednesday announced the birth of their son Milan.

"We are pleased to announce the birth of Milan Pique Mebarak, son of Shakira Mebarak and Gerard Pique, on January 22 at 9:36 pm (2036 GMT), in Barcelona, Spain," the pair said on Twitter.

They said Milan "means dear, loving and gracious in Slavic; in Ancient Roman, eager and laborious; and in Sanskrit, unification. Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth".

The baby weighed in at almost three kilograms (6.6 pounds) and both Shakira and Milan "are in excellent health", the singer and the football star said in their statement.

Shortly before giving birth Shakira asked her fans to pray for her after she was admitted into the Teknon clinic, where she was scheduled to be induced.

The She Wolf singer - whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll - appealed to her fans via Twitter, writing: "I'd like to ask you all to accompany me in your prayers on this very important day of my life. Shak"

She also posted the same content in Spanish and was immediately inundated with messages of support from her fans across the world, wishing her good luck.

A source previously told Spanish newspaper La Razon that the couple scheduled the birth so that FC Barcelona footballer Gerard could be present during their baby's arrival.

The insider also revealed that the singer had requested a female only medical team, who all signed confidentiality agreements, assist her during the birth.

The blonde beauty was said to be feeling "increasing discomfort" ahead of the arrival of her son and was complaining of "abdominal pressure."

The Loca singer has been dating the soccer player for around two years and previously said he is the "best thing" to ever happen to her, until she got pregnant.

She said: "This man is the best thing that could have happened in my life. And now the baby!"

Shakira only confirmed their relationship last year by posting a picture of them both together on Twitter and Facebook with a caption reading, "I present to you my sunshine." in Spanish.

Last week the couple invited fans to join them at their virtual baby shower, where they can purchase essential baby gifts that will support UNICEF and benefit some of the world's most vulnerable babies.

Pique irked much the world's media late last month by announcing his girlfriend had given birth -- but then revealing it was a prank.

The announcement had also been made on Twitter. "Our boy has already been born! We are very happy! Thank you all for your messages!" he said.

But the message came on the "Day of the Innocents" when people in Spain play practical jokes on each other.

Later Pique seemed to be letting fans know it was a joke in a second message: "He already has a name! He is called Innocent! Happy Day of the Innocents to all!"

Britain's Daily Mirror had said in its online gossip column: "We're not very happy with Gerard Pique today."

The news site said it "got all excited" by Pique's first message. "But don't get carried away like we did," the paper advised readers. "It's all thought to be a big prank."

Spain's leading newspaper El Pais was equally unimpressed, running the headline: "Shakira and Pique are parents... of the worst joke of the year."