The Brazilian footballer caused a major stir last year when it was confirmed he had left his wife of 12 years and started a relationship with her niece.

Hulk, 34, separated from wife Iran Angelo, 52, back in July - whom he has three children with - and started a relationship with Camila, 32.

Iran has since opened up about the “great pain” she has suffered as a result, however Hulk has slammed claims of infidelity and says his former partner “treated me like a monster.”

“I never had a relationship with Camila when I was married," Hulk said on Instagram Live.

“I am a man. I was not happy in my marriage.

“I had countless reasons. I spent my entire marriage betraying Iran. She lived a single life. She just wanted to have the status of wife of the Hulk.”

Hulk, who plays in the Chinese Super League, claims he and Iran had been separated for over a year before he started seeing her niece Camila (his former niece).

“Camila came to China. I don’t think I’m an ugly person and I'm young,” he explained.

“Camila is young and extremely beautiful. We ended up getting involved. We were single.

“We came back from China and told the family when you came back and you went to media.

“I have a clear conscience and peace. If you want to continue cursing me and treating me like a monster, the choice is yours. But criticise on top of the truth.”

Hulk also made the explosive claim that he only stayed with Iran after she fell pregnant.

“I started dating and in less than a month you got pregnant. Ian, Tiago and Alice with the blessing of God,” he continued.

“My marriage didn't come out of love, out of passion, nothing, it was an accident that you got pregnant with Ian. And I took over.

“From the moment I started dating you, I started supporting you and your whole family. the whole Paraíba (state) knows that.”

Iran lashes out at Camila over Hulk betrayal

Iran previously spoke out about how she will never forgive Camila.

“I gave everything to this girl since she came into the world,” Iran said.

“I sacrificed my dreams so many times to make her dreams come true.

“And here I am not talking only about material goods, because these are easy to give when you have money, but love, affection, attention, respect ... everything.

“If I made a mistake, my God, it was because I loved and trusted too much.”

Hulk and Camila sparked rumours they had married in March with several photos on social media in which they appear to be wearing wedding rings.

Hulk, real name Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, currently plays for Shanghai SIPG in China.

He has made 53 appearances for the Brazilian national side, scoring 12 goals.

He has also played for Porto and Zenit Saint Petersburg in a glittering football career.