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Adelaide United midfielder Josh Cavallo became the only known current top-flight male football player in the world to come out as gay on Wednesday.
In an emotional and widely-praised video, he said was done with feeling ashamed about his sexuality and the exhaustion of trying to live a ‘double-life’.
‘I’m a footballer and I’m gay,’ the 21-year-old said in the clip posted on Adelaide’s social media and in a statement posted to his Instagram page, drawing support from fellow professionals across the world.
‘All I want to do is play football and be treated equally,’ he said.
Taking to Twitter, former England striker and BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker led an outpouring of public support for the player, saying he is hopeful Cavallo’s actions will ‘erase the fear others may have’ of coming out as gay.
Adelaide United midfielder Josh Cavallo (pictured left in action during an A-Leage match against Perth Glory) became the only known current top-flight football player in the world to come out as gay on Wednesday
The 21-year-old player released a lengthy and emotional clip (pictured) on social saying he has been ‘hiding who he is’ and ‘living a double life’
In a four-part Instagram statement (pictured above), Cavallo said: ‘I am proud to publicly announce that I am gay,’
‘It’s absurd that coming out is a brave thing to do in football,’ the former Tottenham and Barcelona star tweeted. ‘It is though, and I’m full of admiration for Josh for treading a path hopefully many others will follow.
‘I’m sure the overwhelming majority of football lovers will support him and erase the fear others may have.’
Barcelona and ex-Spain centre-back Pique also heaped praise on Cavallo, thanking him personally for his heartfelt video.
‘Hey @JoshuaCavallo, I don’t have the pleasure to know you personally but I want to thank you for this step that you take.
‘The world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward.’
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Source : dailymail
