Iker Casillas has claimed that his Twitter account was hacked after he deleted the sudden post about coming out as gay.
The former Champions League-winning goalkeeper wrote on his Twitter: “I hope you respect me: I’m gay.”
Casillas’s compatriot, Carles Puyol, also responded to the tweet saying: “The time has come to tell our story, Iker.”
After receiving the support of the fans, the statement on social networks came out as a joke by Casillas, according to the Spanish media outlet AS.
Criticism for Iker Casillas’ tweet
The 41-year-old man got tired of linking him to courtship rumors with Alejandra Onieva, who is the ex-sister-in-law of the Spanish television presenter Tamara Falco.
Casillas separated from the relationship 18 months ago with the sports journalist Sara Carbonero. Sara was the mother of his two sons, Martin and Lucas.
The Real Madrid legend has drawn criticism from fans, players and pundits, especially from the LGBTQ community. In an attempt to set the record straight, the World Cup winner wrote: “Account hacked. Luckily everything in order. Apologies to all my followers. And of course, more apologies to the LGBT community.”
His former teammate of the Spanish team, Puyol, has also clarified his deleted tweet. He said: “I have made a mistake. Sorry for a clumsy joke, with no bad intentions and totally out of place. I understand that it may have hurt sensitivities. All my respect and support for the LGTBIQA+ community.”
Several big names have been outspoken critics of Iker Casillas’ not-so-fun joke about a specific gender or sexuality.
Former Liverpool defender José Enrique has accused his compatriot of lying. On his Twitter, Enrique wrote to Casillas’ follow-up tweet: “Instead of apologizing and acknowledging the mistake, he rather lies to everyone.”
After coming out as a gay footballer last October, Australian player Josh Cavallo criticized both Puyol and Casillas. He said: “Iker Casillas and Carles Puyol joking and making fun of going out in football is disappointing. It is a difficult journey that any LGBTQ+ person has to go through.” He is disappointed to see that his “role models” disrespect a specific community.
The Higher Sports Council also wrote in response to Casillas’ joke about sexuality: “Much to do, to advance, to educate and to raise awareness.” The Council also committed to continue raising awareness.
The former Real Madrid captain retired in 2020 after suffering cardiac arrest in training. He won it all both at club and country level with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.
Meanwhile, numerous members of the LGBTQ+ community and soccer fans have tweeted to troll Casillas.
