British Footballer Set to Come Out as Gay This Week

The British tabloid The Sun is reporting that a gay teenage footballer is about to come out as gay. He has been given the full backing of teammates and officials at his�Championship club.

"Sources say he is 'very relaxed' about his sexuality and the announcement he plans to make in a TV interview – and is keen to 'break the stigma' over the issue."

They added: "The player told club officials and his manager about this a few weeks ago and his family already knew.

"The club made it very clear it was his decision and they would back what he wanted to do. He told his teammates, some as recently as Friday, and they offered him their backing too."

A source adds: "They are all more interested in how he plays and trains. He is a highly valued member of the team."

Josh Cavallo, 22, who plays for the Australian team Adelaide United, came out as gay last year, and remains the only out pro in the world, writes the Daily Mail.

Other players have come out after their careers were over, including former Aston Villa player Thomas Hitzlsperger, 40,�and ex-Hull City youth player Thomas Beattie, 35.

"The last British pro to come out was Justin Fashanu in 1990, before he tragically took his own life eight years later, aged 37," adds the Daily Mail.�

Amal Fashanu, who runs the Justin Fashanu Foundation to fight homophobia and racism in football, told the Sun:�'This is very encouraging news and shows the positive steps that have been taken in society and in football.

'I am sure he will get a positive reaction and it may pave the way for others.' "