“I am a footballer and I am gay”: Australian soccer player publicly comes out

Sydney, Australia, Oct 27 (EFE).- Adelaide United’s Josh Cavallo on Wednesday became the first and only top-flight male professional soccer player to publicly come out as gay after posting a video on social media telling his “truth”.

“I am a footballer and I am proud to be gay,” the 21-year old said in the emotional video.

“Growing up, I always felt the need to hide myself, because I was ashamed, ashamed I would never be able to do what I love and be gay, hiding who I truly am to pursue a dream I also wished for as a kid.

“All I want to do is play football, and be treated equally.”

Cavallo said it was “exhausting” to perform while living a double life and said he was scared that people would treat him differently once they found out he was gay.

“Coming out to my loved ones, my peers, my friends, my teammates, my coaches has been incredible,” he said.

The young man said he wanted to “inspire and show” all the people who are struggling that “it is ok to be yourself and play football, it is ok to be gay and play football.”

Fellow soccer players including LaLiga stars Gerard Piqué, Antoine Griezmann, and Javi López expressed their support to the Australian soccer player.

“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,” Piqué tweeted, while Griezmann said he was “proud” of Cavallo.

“Congratulations on your bravery and proud of you,” Cavallo’s teammate Javi López posted on Twitter.