Latin American singer Ricky Martin has come out, describing himself as a "fortunate homosexual man".

The star posted a message on his official website yesterday in English and Spanish which said: "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."

Until now, the father-of-two has remained tight-lipped about his sexual orientation, refusing to answer to rumours over the years.

The 38-year-old added: "These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed.

"What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment."

Last year, a Puerto Rican magazine plastered quotes from Martin across its front cover, claiming that he said he could fall in love with men or women.

However, the publication was later found to have embellished the quotes.

Martin became a father in 2008 to twin boys born to a surrogate mother.

He said that his sons convinced him he had to be open.

He said: “To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids were born with.

"Enough is enough. This has to change."

He continued: “Many people told me, ‘Ricky it's not important’, ‘it's not worth it’, ‘all the years you've worked and everything you've built will collapse.

“Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth.

“Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions.”