Even Boris Johnson speaks out - English professional footballer comes out: "I just don't want to lie anymore"
Created: 05/18/2022 11:33 am
By: Vincent Fischer
Jake Daniels, an English footballer, has made his homosexuality public.
His coming out has provoked numerous reactions - Prime Minister Boris Johnson also made a statement.
London – A courageous step that a soccer star who is not even of legal age has taken.
Even England's Prime Minister has commented on this.
Blackpool FC's Jake Daniels is the second active professional footballer to publicly reveal his homosexuality.
The 17-year-old, who recently signed his first professional contract with English second division club Blackpool, said
he was gay in an interview with
Sky Sports broadcaster published on Monday.
"Now is the right time to do that," Daniels said.
"I feel ready to tell people my story."
"That would be awesome": Jake Daniels hopes for more coming-outs
"I just don't want to lie anymore," Daniels said, expressing hope that other active players would follow suit.
"I'm only 17 but I'm aware that it's what I want to do," said the Blackpool star, "and if by coming out, other people see that and that Feeling that maybe they can do the same would be awesome.”
Coming out is still a "taboo" in men's football, as many footballers want to be known for their masculinity, the youngster denounces.
"People see being gay as a weakness, something you can be teased for on the football field." Daniels is not afraid of homophobic reactions in the stadiums: "Shout what you want, it won't make a difference."
After Jake Daniels came out: FA and Blackpool give youngsters their full support
The first outing of a professional footballer in Great Britain has generated numerous positive reactions.
Daniels' club Blackpool are "incredibly proud to have reached a stage where they can express themselves with confidence both on and off the pitch.
It is important that we all foster an environment where people can feel comfortable and be themselves and that football leads the way in eliminating all forms of discrimination and prejudice.”
"You are an inspiration to all of us and we support your decision to be open about this part of you."
The English Football Association FA supports Jake Daniels in his outing.
The English Football Association FA also gave the 17-year-old its full support: "You are an inspiration to all of us and we support your decision to be open with this part of you.
Football is a game for all with diversity at its heart and this is a hugely positive step towards an inclusive football of which we can all be proud.”
Gary Neville "extremely proud" - Prime Minister Boris Johnson also speaks out
"Extremely proud" was ManUnited legend and TV expert Gary Neville about the interview.
"I wouldn't have been able to do that in my mid or late 20's.
What he did takes incredible courage." He "can't imagine how difficult it must have been." Tottenham star Harry Kane commented: "Kudos to you and the way your friends, your family , the club and the captain supported you.
Football should welcome everyone.” “You will be an inspiration to many on and off the pitch,” said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The decision was worth it for him, said the striker.
"I scored four goals the day after I told my mom and my sister," Daniels said.
"It shows the weight that was off my shoulders and what a tremendous relief it was."
So far, only a few professionals have come out about their homosexuality
So far, Daniels is the only active professional footballer in Europe who has taken this step.
Before Daniels, 22-year-old Australia's Josh Cavallo of Adelaide United had publicly come out as gay last October.
The late Justin Fashanu came out in England in 1990.
In 2013, former US international and ex-major league soccer pro Robbie Rogers did it.
In Germany, the only professional to date who came out was former national player Thomas Hitzlsperger after the end of his career.
The 40-year-old also expressed praise and wished the youngster a “wonderful career.”
(vfi/dpa)
