Former Aston Villa and Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has announced he is gay.
The 31-year-old former Germany international, who retired in September, told Die Zeit that he was coming out in order to break taboos about homosexuality within football.
I feel now of all time is the right time to break the news too. I now wish this is the start of many more who feel pressure to break it. TH
— Thomas Hitzlsperger (@ThomasHitzl) January 8, 2014
After his announcement, Hitzlsperger has received widespread support from within the football community, with many highlighting their hopes that players will not have to wait until retirement before coming out:
Thomas Hitzlsperger has shown a lot of courage today. Sad times when people have to wait till they retire from their chosen profession...
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) January 8, 2014
Congratulations to Thomas Hitzlsperger on bravely being the first player to have played in the PL to 'come out' http://t.co/9boXWNpnFZ
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 8, 2014
Brave and right decision. Respect, Thomas Hitzlsperger. His outing is a important sign in our time. pic.twitter.com/c69Oml2Ocp
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) January 8, 2014
Thomas Hitzlsperger announces he is gay. http://t.co/itpSZBcBfd Hope one day soon folks won't have to wait for retirement.
— Gabriele Marcotti (@Marcotti) January 8, 2014
Just want to take a moment & say GOOD JOB Thomas Hitzlsperger!! very proud over what youve done. Extremely good for football!
— anton hysen official (@antonhysenoffic) January 8, 2014
Everyone who knows Thomas from his time here at Villa has great respect for him, not only as the fine player he was but also as a man. (1/3)
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) January 8, 2014
Few footballers have publicly come out. But those who have include LA Galaxy midfielder Robbie Rogers who initially retired at the time of his announcement before returning to the game in May 2013.
In 2011, Swedish third division footballer Anton Hysen was the first footballer to publicly come out, while still a player, since the late Justin Fashanu who came out in 1990.
In 2000 Norwegian defender Thomas Berling quit the game aged just 21 as a result of homophobia within the game.
Ex-East German player Marcus Urban was another to quit the game as a result of the fear of his sexuality being revealed.
