The 39-year-old singer came out as gay in March 2010, and an insider said that it was thanks to the effect that twin boys Matteo and Valentino, two, had had on him.
The source told PopEater, 'I have never seen Ricky so happy as when he is with his sons.
'Something about their birth and the happiness and fulfilment they have brought him made him want to be honest with himself and with his fans. But he will always be a private person - it's in his blood.'
The insider added, 'He is raising his sons as honestly and openly as possible and giving them a well-rounded and cultured background so they will grow up making the best decisions possible for their lives.'