After years of speculation over the Latino pop singer's sexuality, he has finally admitted what many people have suspected for years.

The Puerto Rican star wrote: "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."

Martin, 38 also admitted that his coming out marked: "an amazing turning point in my life."

The Livin' La Vida Loca singer decided to reveal his homosexuality when he started writing his memoirs a few months ago.

Ricky wrote on his website: "From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time,"

He also added that the secret had become: "too heavy for me to keep inside" and his sexuality was "something worth celebrating."

The singer, who has two sons Matteo and Valentino by a surrogate mother revealed that he did not come out earlier as his advisers said it would ruin his career.

Gay Rights groups have said Martin will be an inspiration to millions of young people who are worried about their sexuality.

The She Bangs star also has support from celebrities, including openly homosexual blogger Perez Hilton who posted on his Twitter page: "Ricky Martin has just come out of the closet as a proud gay man! Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!"

He added: "@ricky_martin so proud of you.  Hopefully Ricky Martin will inspire other celebrities to come out too!"