Ricky Martin talks coming out

Ricky Martin has talked to Billboard magazine about coming out and his soon-to-be-released new album.

The ’90s pop icon reveals that disclosing his homosexuality had been on his mind for a very long time.

“I spent many months figuring out the best way to do it,” he told the publication.

“I thought it could be a song, or an interview, or in the book [that he is currently writing]. But I couldn’t wait eight more months. I needed to do this, now.”

Eventually Ricky settled on an open letter to fans, posted on the internet.

“I called my manager and said, ‘I’m doing this on Monday’. I spent the entire weekend drafting that letter,” he continued.

“And when I sent it, I felt such a relief, such peace and joy. I thought, My God, had I known, I would have done this 10 years ago.”

As for the criticism from certain members of the gay community that he should have come out years ago, the Latin heartthrob says it took him until now to be comfortable with his sexuality.

“I feel very fortunate that I was able to open up in my 30s and find this sense of peace and clam when there are people in their 40s, their 50s, their 60s who go through life and die and can never fully love themselves.”

Ricky’s new album MAS (Musica + Alma + Sexo) is released in early February.

Check out his new single (below) and read the full interview on Billboard’s website.