McConaughey and Armstrong say they are 'just friends'

Lance Armstrong (left) and Matthew McConaughey

Cyclist Lance Armstrong and actor Matthew McConaughey have spoken out about their brotherly bond, telling Details magazine they are definitely not gay.

The pair became close friends earlier this year after they both ended long-term relationships with their respective partners.

Armstrong had been engaged to singer Sheryl Crow, while McConaughey previously dated actress Penelope Cruz.

However, photos of the two men exercising together, bare-chested in lycra shorts, sparked whispers that the pair may be more than just friends.

In particular, popular celebrity blogger Trent Vanegas has dedicated inches of screen space on his website, pinkisthenewblog.com, to pictures and commentary on the pair, along with fellow friend and actor Jake Gyllenhaal.

In the interview with Details magazine, Armstrong said: "I think people see pictures and they think we're these overgrown frat guys, but we all have those kinds of relationships and relationship isn't a bad word.

"I mean, we all have buds, we all take guy trips, but you take something very normal and you put it in a magazine, and people start talking."

McConaughey joined Armstong in his defence of their friendship saying: "A lot of people don't understand friendship and brotherhood. I have a great friend in him. I'd do anything he asked me to, even though he'd probably never ask me to, and he feels the same way."

- NZHERALD STAFF