"I hope you respect me" - Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas jokingly comes out as gay on Twitter

Real Madrid and Spain legend Iker Casillas came out as gay on Twitter earlier, but has since deleted the tweet from his account.

Casillas called it quits on his 21-year-long career as a senior football player in 2020. He notably established himself as one of the best goalkeepers of all time before hanging up his boots.

The Spaniard made 725 appearances across all competitions during his time with Real Madrid. He kept 264 clean sheets in those matches, and also helped the club win a total of 19 trophies.

Casillas also won the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship (twice) with Spain. He also helped Portuguese giants FC Porto win three trophies before eventually retiring from the game.

One of the most successful goalkeepers in the history of football seemingly came out as gay earlier today (October 9). The 41-year-old appeared to reveal that he is homosexual on Twitter. He wrote:

"I hope you respect me: I'm gay. #HappySunday."

The news left the football world stunned, with many offering the former Real Madrid star words of support. Several fans even heaped praise on him for displaying the courage to come out as gay, considering that homosexuality remains a taboo in society.

Some fans were doubtful about the authenticity of the tweet, although it came from the ex-player's official account. A few were concerned that the former goalkeeper's handle had been hacked. Meanwhile, some suggested that he could be taking part in a campaign in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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Barcelona great Carles Puyol offered support to Real Madrid legend Casillas

Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol was also among those who offered Casillas words of support underneath his tweet. The Spain legend wrote:

"It's time to tell our story, Iker."

Former Bundesliga striker Jan Aage Fjortoft also tipped his hat to the ex-goalkeeper. He wrote on Twitter:

"I have the biggest of respect for Iker doing this."

However, the former Porto shot-stopper has since deleted the tweet from his account. According to Spanish daily Diario AS, it was merely a sarcastic reaction to rumors in the media claiming him to be in a relationship with different women.

There have been suggestions that the Spaniard is dating actress Alejandra Onieva after his split from Sara Carbonero last year. A possible romance with Gerard Pique's ex-partner Shakira has also been mooted in the media.

It is alleged that Casillas jokingly came out as gay on Twitter to stop the media from creating rumors about his personal life.