Italian university students were shocked to reveal their maths professor was a gay porn star, writes dailymail.co.uk.

Ruggero Freddi, previously known as Carlos Masi, teaches at La Sapienza University, in Rome, but in a previous life he played a very different role.

Mr Freddi left his native Italy for the US where he made a career in the adult film industry, starring in titles including 'Big N Plenty' and 'Man Country'.

Students found out about his XXX-rated past after spotting a picture of him flexing his muscles in a revealing photo on Facebook. 

Mr Freddi said he got into porn to 'earn more' and was not upset that career had been revealed.

He told Republicca: 'Some students re-posted the photo on a few sites and from there my former life as a porn actor emerged. To be honest, it wasn't exactly a secret.' 

The academic got into adult film with Colt Studios after his engineering career faltered in Italy.

He explained: 'I was offered to do a film in the USA. I thought, ''Why not?'' A job that helps me earn more and is a more entertaining career.'

On returning home in 2013, Mr Freddi got his master's degree in mathematics, adding to the master's he already had in computer engineering. 

Mr Freddi, who lives with his partner of 11 years, said he had no complaints or problems at the university because of his past.

He added that he was 'happy and proud' of both of careers because they reflected his personality.