" I'm gay. Simply writing it is already a big step for me. But only family members and a small group of my friends know this. I don't feel ready to share it with my team or my coach. It's hard. I spend most of my life with these guys, and when we get back on the field, we're a team. But there is something in me that makes it impossible to open up with them to what I feel. I sincerely hope that one day I will be able to. "
These words, written by a Premier League player in an open letter recovered by the British tabloid The Sun, aim to open the eyes of the authorities and football fans to a reality that remains often taboo in the sports world.
He will not reveal his identity until after retirement
The footballer prefers to remain anonymous: “I feel trapped and I am afraid that exposing the truth will worsen my situation. The player confirms that his team and his coach are not aware.
This English first division professional intends to wait for his retirement before revealing his identity: “My plan is to stop my career earlier and tell the truth. I will surely throw good lucrative years for my future. But inner peace cannot be bought. "
The letter was published by the Justin Fashanu Foundation, named after the first British player to publicly assert his homosexuality in 1990. The attacker, who began his career with Norwich, had committed suicide eight years later.
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