'Violation of my honour!' - Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas responds to ex-porn star Claudia Bavel calling him a 'better footballer than lover' & 'stingy' partner in emotional statement

Casillas and Bavel were spotted out together in January, sparking speculation about a romance between the pair. As per The Daily Mail, Bavel subsequently spoke out about Casillas in an interview on Spanish television show De Viernes and claimed he had ignored her since the photographs were published. The former porn star also added that the Real icon was "stingy and not at all generous" after she had wanted a glass of wine and been told by Casillas to go to a supermarket and buy a bottle. Bavel was also asked what Casillas was like and delivered a withering verdict: "If you ask me what Iker was like as a lover I would say better as a footballer."

Casillas has reacted to Bavel's comments in a statement on social media: "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.

"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."

Bavel also shared WhatsApp recordings from Casillas on her television appearance and claimed the 43-year-old talked about having children with her. Casillas has two children from his marriage with Sara Barbonero but the couple divorced in 2021. Neither Casillas nor Bavel have ever claimed to be dating but the relationship between the pair certainly seems to have hit a low, with Casillas now seemingly threatening legal action against the OnlyFans star.

Casillas has been romantically linked with several women since his divorce but clearly wants to keep his private life out of the spotlight. The former stopper, who is widely regarded as one of the game's greatest goalkeepers, currently works with Los Blancos as the deputy director general of the Real Madrid Foundation.