Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has claimed his official Twitter account was hacked after posting a message that appeared to announced he was gay.
The World Cup winner's tweet on Sunday afternoon read: "I hope you respect me: I'm gay."
The former goalkeeper was previously married to sports journalist Sara Carbonero for five years before their separation in March 2021, having had two children together.
The 41-year-old, widely regarded as one of the best keepers of his generation, predictably sparked a huge reaction, with Barcelona icon and Spain teammate Carlos Puyol, one of those to respond.
The former centre-back posted: "It's time to tell out story, Iker."
Shortly after the post was published, reports in Spain speculated the pair weren't being genuine about the claims.
The post has since been deleted, with Casillas tweeting later in the afternoon.
"Hacked account. Luckily everything in order," he wrote. "Apologies to all my followers. And of course, more apologies to the LGBT community."
Casillas retired back in 2020 after a cardiac arrest at his final club, Porto.
As a player, he won one World Cup, two European Championships, five La Ligas and three Champions Leagues.
He was first brought through as a teenager at Real Madrid by former Wales manager john Toshack.
