Former Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has hit back after ex-porn star Claudia Bavel's reported recent claims.
Casillas, 43, is one of the best players in Spanish history, having played over 700 times for La Liga giants Madrid.
The former goalkeeper lifted the La Liga title on five occasions and also won the Champions League three times.
On the international stage, Casillas was capped 167 times by Spain, winning the World Cup in 2010 and the Euros in 2008 and 2012.
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Casillas called time on his professional career in 2020 after suffering heart problems during his time with FC Porto.
Recently, it has been claimed that ex-porn star and OnlyFans model Bavel made some claims about Casillas.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Bavel spoke about her and Casillas' alleged relationship during an interview with Spanish TV channel Telecinco programme De Viernes.
She said: "My relationship with Iker Casillas began initially as one of friendship. When we began meeting in person we had an open relationship initially before we reached a point where we closed it.
"Iker knows what is behind those photos. I feel a little bit left out. If you ask me what Iker was like as a lover I would say better as a footballer."
Now, Casillas has hit back as he released a lengthy statement on his official social media account.
Iker Casillas hits back at recent claims on social media
It began: "I have been involved in professional football since I was 14, a career that has given me many joys, perhaps the greatest and the one I am most proud of has been receiving enormous affection and support from the public.
"However, it has also brought with it an interest in aspects of my private life that I have always wanted to keep out of the media spotlight, as they belong to my strictest privacy.
"Despite this interest, I have NEVER negotiated with my private life, I have not granted any exclusives nor have I profited from what I consider more personal and reserved; what's more, I have always asked for respect and I have kept myself away from gossip, rumours or speculation."
The statement continued: "It is difficult to accept that, without any consideration, certain people go on programmes to talk about me or my environment. Videos in bad taste are broadcast and anyone, without any knowledge of the matter, feels entitled to make comments, speculations and opinions of any kind about my personal life with absolute disregard, attacking my privacy and honour.
"NOT EVERYTHING IS WORTH IT, not everything is worth it to gain an audience, not everything is worth it to obtain easy profit or fame as ephemeral as it is undeserved at my expense, at the expense of someone whose 'notoriety' is only due to many years of work and perseverance. But, when I repeat, I have tried by all means to protect my privacy.
"The situation has reached a point where it is unsustainable and I will not allow any more interference in my private life or actions that violate or undermine my honour. I am doing this for myself and for all those around me, who are directly and seriously affected, as those who carry out these actions without caring at all know and are aware of."
Topics: Football, Iker Casillas, Real Madrid, Spain, Champions League
Marcus Chan