The 2010 World Cup came to a close yesterday with fan favorite, Spain, taking home the trophy. Of the many fans was Shakira who performed at the opening ceremony. She had the honors once again when she closed the ceremony to the world, singing “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa).”

“I think this whole month that I spent in South Africa has been so inspiring, so stimulating, one of the happiest months of my life in recent years. It’s been so exciting to wake up every morning looking forward to the matches, looking forward to the newspaper just to open the sports section because I became such a football fanatic. The people of South Africa are definitely the highlight of this World Cup. They’re amazing, they’re so joyful, expressive and affectionate. I’ve been feeling the love since the first day I arrived, every day more and more. For the first time of my life, I arrived at immigration and I saw the immigration officers actually dancing and singing the Waka Waka. It’s been such an amazing experience.”

Shakira is truly an international artist, emphasis on both. She is such a free spirit glazed in optimism.