Blackpool FC's Jake Daniels has come out as the UK's only openly gay active professional male footballer.
The midfielder is the first player in more than 30 years to come out while still playing.
“The day after we played Accrington and I scored four, so it just shows how much of a weight off the shoulders it was.” pic.twitter.com/xG0Nu2qcd9
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 16, 2022
The young athlete said that, as a child, he always thought football and being gay "don't mix" - but he told Sky Sports he's realised he can't "just change" and that he's ready to be himself.
Daniels says he's had overwhelming support from his teammates at the Championship club since sharing his news.
"Everyone was kind of shocked and everyone was like "Why didn't you tell us earlier?"
"Which is a good thing," he added, "It just shows that they care."
The 17 year old came out on the eve of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia - May 17th.
