Carlos Vela has hit back at claims he asked a transsexual model for a date in flirty text messages. The former Arsenal striker, 29, was said to have complimented Alejandra Salinas on her looks before inviting her to meet him in Guadalajara, a city in his native Mexico.
She posted screenshots of their alleged exchange on social media.
In her messages, she appears to reject Vela’s advances because he is married.
But the forward, who now plays for Los Angeles FC, has strongly denied her claims, describing it as a “painful matter”.
Vela’s wife is Spanish journalist Saioa Canibano. They have a son, Romeo.
On Twitter , he wrote: “I want to use the same medium that has been used to defame me. “A person I know nothing about, and who I have never contacted in any way, has used technology to achieve some personal objective. “I respect every person’s beliefs, politics and personal preferences – but it is bad when individuals seek to obtain things using high-profile people.
“This is a real shame, with unscrupulous people causing damage to achieve their ends. “It is impossible for me to travel anywhere apart from with my club. I’ve not even been able to honour national team call-ups because of my duties with LA FC.
“I have a wonderful family, and nobody will succeed in damaging me. “This is the one time I will address and clarify this painful matter. “Thanks to everyone for your support.”
Vela spent three seasons at Arsenal, scoring 11 goals in 62 games. He also spent a season on loan at West Brom. He has played 71 times for Mexico and was part of their squad at the World Cup in Russia.