University students were astonished to find out that their maths professor had a secret past life – in the muscle daddy adult film industry.

But Ruggero Freddi, who teaches at La Sapienza University in Rome, said he was not ashamed of his history.

Speaking to Italian publication Republica, Freddi said he entered the industry after spending time looking for engineering work in Italy without success.

“I was offered to do a film in the USA,” he said.

“I thought: ‘Why not?’”

Freddi said he saw it as “a job that helps me earn more and is a more entertaining career.”

After signing with Colt Studios in California, Freddi became known as ‘Carlo Masi’.

He eventually quit porn in 2013, returning to Italy.

Freddi earned a Masters degree in Maths, and set about constructing a new life.

Speaking to GSN, Freddi explained that he knew his past life would come out at some point.

However, he was unfazed when a Facebook video posted by him showing him flexing his muscles led to someone contacting a reporter with the revelation.

“I knew sooner or later something was going to happen, but I didn’t expect something so big to happen,” he said.

“I thought someone would publish something and my students would talk about it for a while, but I wasn’t expecting the entire country to actually speak about it.”

Freddi went on to emphasise that he had no regrets in acting in the porn industry.

“I am happy and proud of both my careers,” he said.