After the ex-goalkeeper came out as gay, Iker Casillas claimed that his Twitter account was hacked.
The Real MadridA Spain legend posted a brief post on social media on Sunday afternoon. However, it was later deleted.
It read: “I hope you respect me: I’m gay.”
Barcelona legend Carlos Puyol then replied to the tweet with the message: “The time has come to tell our story, Iker.”
Spanish publication however, AS claimed Casillas’ post was written as a joke to stop the tabloids from writing and spreading rumours about his personal life.
The tweet was active for over an hour before being deleted. Later, the star of retired said that his account was hacked.
Puyol also removed his post shortly thereafter.
He wrote: “Hacked account. Everything was in order. My apologies to all my fans. And of course, more apologies to the LGBT community.”
Puyol later apologized for his actions by tweeting: “I have made a mistake.” I am sorry for the clumsy joke, which was not intended and completely out of place.
“I understand that it may have hurt sensitivities. All my respect and support for the LGTBIQA+ community.”
However, Adelaide United midfielder Josh Cavallo, who announced in October 2021 that he was gay, becoming the only active male professional footballer in one of the world’s top leagues to do so, labelled the messages ‘beyond disrespectful’.
Posting before Casillas claimed his account was hacked, the 22-year-old wrote: “@IkerCasillas and @Carles5puyol joking and making fun out of coming out in football is disappointing.
“It’s a difficult journey that any LGBTQ+ ppl have to go through. To see my role models and legends of the game make fun out of coming out and my community is beyond disrespectful.”
In a statement, equality campaigners Stonewall UK said: “It is disappointing to see homophobic ‘jokes’ being made at the expense of LGBTQ+ players and fans.
“Whatever their intent, our words matter. At Stonewall, we’ll continue to fight for a better world where LGBTQ+ people can play the sports we love as ourselves.”
Casillas’ love life has been the subject of great interest with the tabloid press in his native Spain following his split from his wife in March 2021.
Sara Carbonero, a sports journalist and World Cup winner and two-time European Championship champion, was married for five years to Sara Carbonero and have two children together.
In September he rubbished rumours that he was dating Gerard Pique’s former partner Shakira.
He shared images of news articles on Instagram and said: “Touch your nose. OMG [Oh My God].”
Casillas (41), played 725 games for Real Madrid and won 19 trophies during his time at Bernabeu. This included three Champions League titles.
In 2015, he left the club to join Porto. He played 156 times for Porto.
In May 2019, he had a heart attack during training, which eventually led to him retiring as a player.
He was also part, with Spain, of the side that won backto-back European Championships.
