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Jake Daniels (right) on his professional debut for Blackpool FC against Peterborough
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IMAGO/Mark Cosgrove/News Images / IMAGO/News Images
Jake Daniels from Blackpool FC has become the second active professional footballer to make his homosexuality public.
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."
In a statement on his club's website, Daniels wrote that it was "a step into the unknown", which he could now take with conviction: "Now I feel like I'm ready for my coming out - and for that, I am to be myself.«
So far, Daniels is the only active professional footballer in Europe who has taken this step.
Before him, 22-year-old Australia's Josh Cavallo of Adelaide United publicly came out as gay last October.
Like water jumper Tom Daley, Cavallo inspired him to go public.
Daniels has received great support from his club and family.
In England, the late Justin Fashanu last came out in 1990.
In Germany, the only professional to date who came out was former national player Thomas Hitzlsperger after the end of his career.
In 2013, former US international and ex-major league soccer pro Robbie Rogers did it.
Daniels: "I just don't want to lie anymore"
"For a long time I thought I was hiding my truth because I wanted to be a professional footballer, which I am now," said the attacker, who made his debut with Blackpool's first team in early May.
"I was wondering if I should wait until I retire before making it public."
"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 midfielder, "and when other people see my coming out and get the feeling that maybe they can do the same , that would be awesome.«
For him, the decision was worth it.
"I scored four goals the day after I told my mom and sister," Daniels said.
"It shows what a weight I got off my shoulders and what a tremendous relief it was."
Fifa, Uefa and a number of top English clubs paid tribute to Daniels, and even British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted.
"Thank you for your courage, Jake," Johnson wrote. "You will be an inspiration to many - both on and off the field."
krä/dpa/sid