The reason behind Iker Casillas deleting a tweet of his has been seemingly revealed after he ‘comes out as gay’ via social media.
The 41 year old has seemingly announced that he is gay, becoming one of the most high-profile footballers in history to confirm their homosexuality.
In a tweet published on Sunday afternoon, the goalkeeper said: “I hope you respect me: I’m gay. #HappySunday”
Iker Casillas ‘comes out as gay’
However reports initially claimed that the tweet has now disappeared having posted it as a joke to stop speculation about who he has been dating. This hasn’t been confirmed however, leaving people wondering if he is being genuine or whether this will come back to haunt him.
He has since tweeted however, writing a new tweet clarifying what happened: “Hacked account. Luckily everything in order. Apologies to all my followers. And of course, more apologies to the LGBT community. 🙏”
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In September, he furiously denied that he was dating Shakira, who recently split up with Gerard Pique.
Casillas was married to sports journalist and model Sara Carbonero for five years before their separation in March 2021, having had two children, both boys.
The retired goalie turned presenter and Carbonero admitted their love had ‘taken separate paths’ a little over a year ago but said they would remain close to continue the ‘marvellous job’ of raising their two children.
Casillas and his ex famously kissed on air during a post-match interview after Spain won the World Cup and have helped each other through a number of health scares during their five-year-marriage.
He said in an emotional Instagram post at the time: “Both Sara and I feel enormously proud of the family we are and of having shared a love that has filled us with happiness during all our years together.
“Today our love as a couple takes different but not distant paths since we’ll continue together in the marvellous task of continuing to be devoted parents as we have been up until now.
“This is a well-considered decision which we have taken through mutual agreement.”
Iker, father to Martin, nine, and Lucas, six, with Sara, added: “The respect, affection and friendship will remain for ever.
“Our priority is, through affection and compromise, to share the wellbeing and education of our children and protect them so they grow in a stable and healthy environment.
“With these words we ask you please to respect our privacy in this moment of change.
“These will be the only public words we issue for the time being and in the future.
“Many thanks for your understanding.”
Iker Casillas has received a wave of support upon his announcement before removing his tweet that he ‘comes out as gay’.
The keeper, who retired in 2020 after suffering a cardiac arrest during training with Porto, is remembered for being one of football’s most successful goalkeepers.
The Spaniard won one World Cup, two European Championships, five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.
More and more footballers are starting to feel comfortable in making the announcement. Scottish non league player Zander Murray recently explained why he felt the need to come out at gay, adding he felt ‘enough was enough”.
The 30-year-old, who is in his fourth season with Lowland League club Gala Fairydean Rovers, said he made the decision to help others who wish to open up.
❤️⚫️ Gala Fairydean Rovers striker Zander Murray has announced he is gay – making him the first Scottish senior player to do so.
In an interview with the club, Murray said he wants to “help” other players who are struggling about opening up.https://t.co/SE0pZNixFh
— Gala Fairydean Rovers (@fairydeanrovers) September 16, 2022
Gala Fairydean Rovers striker Zander Murray has announced he is gay – making him the first Scottish senior player to do so. Murray, 30, who is in his fourth season with the club, will be the first openly gay footballer in Scottish men’s professional footballer since Justin Fashanu played for Airdrie and Hearts in the mid-1990s, several years after announcing his sexuality.
His announcement followed that of referees Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson who came out in June this year.
In an interview with the club, Murray said he wants to “help” other players who are struggling about opening up.
He said: “Firstly it feels like the weight of the world is now off my shoulders.
“The reason I have decided to this now is twofold firstly I was on holiday recently at a pride event and I have always been that closeted never to go to these things but I loved it.
“The vibe was brilliant and everyone was just being free and happy and it was great to just be me.
“I also want to help other players who are struggling with this as it isn’t easy for men, especially footballers to deal with.”
Murray would decline being tagged in social media posts in a bid to conceal who he really was and this was only due to the fact he played football.
He added: “Then I thought to myself ‘what am I doing’ this is playing havoc with my life.
“So at that moment I thought enough is enough.
“I put a post on my social media telling folk I was gay. I didn’t need to sit the boys down in the changing room and tell them.”
He added: “The lads at the club have been so supportive. I have a really strong bond with everyone at the club and I have been blown away by the support.
“Before coming out you think people will turn against you and you think the worst.
“It’s been lovely how much support I have had.
“I have done lots of research and I always keep an eye on media outlets to see if there are any platforms for young gay male footballers for support but there are none.
“I would really like to look into and see what support can be given to other players to inspire them.
“In recent years Jake Daniels has come out and then Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson who are both referees have done the same.
“Of course there are gay footballers in our game and I have had lots of players get in touch saying they have read my post and they can’t believe how strong I am by doing this.”
Murray hopes that one day players won’t feel the need to come out and make statements and he hopes that men can be comfortable in being who they are.
He said: “It can be difficult and you can feel very alone. I knew I was different for many years but with other people in the game coming out it’s been amazing.
“Hopefully the SFA can work with other leagues and partners and look at support and drive how we help other players.
“That support is greatly needed in the men’s game.
“Women’s football is another ball game. They are completely diverse and open and this is something the men’s game should aspire to be.”
SEE MORE: Huge outpour of support as Blackpool player comes out as gay
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