Ricky Martin says he is "stronger than ever" after coming out.

The singer announced he was gay on his official website on Monday, calling himself "proud" and "fortunate".

Yesterday, as news spread of his announcement, the star wrote on Twitter that he was "doing great" and feeling "stronger than ever".

He also thanked fans for their support, although few were surprised to learn he is gay.

Martin has brushed off rumours about his sexuality for years.

The lack of surprise was summed up by celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, who wrote: "Finally! We're very happy for you, Ricky."

Meanwhile, GLAAD congratulated him on his "openness and honesty" and said it could lead to "greater acceptance for countless gay people in US, in Latin America and worldwide".

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.”  (from www.pinknews.co.uk)