Los Angeles Galaxy have announced the signing of Robbie Rogers. Rogers will be the first openly gay man to compete in Major League Soccer as he ends a brief retirement.

Rogers retired from football in January, following his release by Leeds United. He revealed to The Guardian he was gay, and had felt he could not go on playing football
"In football it's obviously impossible to come out,” he said.

"Imagine going to training every day and being in that spotlight? It's been a bit of a circus anyway," he added.
 
Rogers has played for the United States national side 18 times, and won the MLS Cup with Columbus Crew in 2008.

 “I’d like to thank everyone at Major League Soccer, the LA Galaxy and the Chicago Fire for allowing me to return to playing the game that I love,” he said to the official LA Galaxy website.

“I look forward to getting back out onto the field and continuing my soccer career as a member of the Galaxy.”

Rogers’ teammates welcomed the news of his signing.

“No matter who you are or what you are, everyone is the same. We go to the toilet the same way; we do things the same way.  There’s no difference,” said Robbie Keane.

“Everyone should be equal…It’s 2013 for Christ sakes. People move on and to each their own.”

“He’s getting better and better, but Robbie needs games. Just like any player that’s been away for a while, you need games,” said Landon Donovan.

“But he’s very excited, so whenever he gets on the field, we’ll be really excited for him.”