Gerard Piqué has claimed that his girlfriend Shakira has given birth.

The couple have been expecting a boy for months and it was said that their first offspring together was due to be born soon.

The Barcelona footballer took to Twitter to proclaim that the famous duo are "very happy" after becoming father and mother.

He said:

"Our son has been born! We are very happy! Thanks to all for your messages."

However, he tweeted the message on Spain's Day of the Holy Innocents, which is similar to April Fools' Day.

The day sees Spaniards encouraged to fabricate stories and pull practical jokes on each other.

The footballer has since confirmed that the news was a joke.