Jake Daniels, a 17-year-old forward for Blackpool FC in England’s second tier, publicly came out as gay Monday in a statement released by the club.
The British LGBTQ advocacy group Stonewall says Daniels is the first professional player to come out in the UK in the last 30 years.
« I’ve known my whole life that I’m gay, and I now feel that I’m ready to come out and be myself. » Daniels said in his statement.
« In reaching this point, I’ve had some of the best support and advice from my family, my Club, my agent and Stonewall, who have all been incredibly pro-active in putting my interests and welfare first », Daniels continued. « I have also confided in my team-mates in the youth team here at Blackpool, and they too have embraced the news and supported my decision to open up and tell people. »
« I’ve hated lying my whole life and feeling the need to change to fit in.
