A 17-year-old English footballer came out of the closet: "I hated living a lie"

Jake Daniels, who rose this season to the Blackpool alumni from the championship, issued a letter: "This is a step towards the unknown for me, I received support"

Walla!

sport

16/05/2022

Monday, 16 May 2022, 20:05 Updated: 20:09

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Summary: West Ham - Manchester City 2: 2 (Sport 1)

Rare event: An English footballer came out of the closet and announced that he was gay.

Championship player Black Jake Daniels announced the matter through the club's official website and posted a letter.

"Last season was great for me on the pitch," wrote the 17-year-old striker, who recorded one appearance in the seniors this season. "I hid my true identity and who I really am. I have known all my life that I am gay and I feel I am now ready to go out and show it to the world."

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To the full article

Dramatic message.

Daniels (Photo: Reuters)

"It's a step towards the unknown for me as one of the first footballers in the country to reveal that he's gay," Daniels continued. And from my agent. My friends in the Blackpool youth team also hugged me after I told them this and supported me so I could go public.

"I hated lying all my life and feeling I had to fit in with something I did not.

I want to be a model.

Some people feel uncomfortable revealing their sexual identity.

I want to tell them not to change.

Be yourself, be happy, that's what matters. "

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Tags

• Blackpool

• Exit the closet