Blackpool forward Jake Daniels has become the only openly gay male professional footballer in Britain.
The 17-year-old said he has received “amazing support” from his teammates after revealing his sexuality earlier this week.
Daniels is the first professional male player to come out in Britain since Justin Fashanu.
Jake Daniels ready to ‘be himself’
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Daniels said he felt ready to “be myself” after “such a long time lying” about himself.
The young striker originally felt he would need to hide his sexuality until he was retired.
He said: "For a long time I've thought I would have to hide my truth because I wanted to be, and now I am, a professional footballer. I asked myself if I should wait until I've retired to come out. No other player in the professional game here is out.
"However, I knew that would lead to a long time of lying and not being able to be myself or lead the life that I want to.
"Since I've come out to my family, my club and my teammates, that period of overthinking everything and the stress it created has gone. It was impacting my mental health.
"Now I am just confident and happy to be myself finally."
Daniels scored 30 goals for the under-19s side this season and signed a professional contract with Blackpool in February.
Stonewall issues statement
Liz Ward, director of programmes at Stonewall said: "We are proud that Jake has felt able to share his truth with the world. To come out publicly as the UK’s first openly gay professional footballer in nearly 30 years takes incredible courage, and we’re heartened by the solidarity and support he has received from Blackpool FC and his teammates.
"Football is ready for this moment, and we believe it has been for some time. Our Rainbow Laces campaign has taught us that, while there is still a way to go, attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people in sport are changing. We are moving towards a world where players can live openly as their true selves, both on and off pitch - and that is something we can all take pride in.
"Stonewall is proud to provide ongoing support to Jake, his close network and Blackpool FC to navigate the challenges of coming out in the public eye. This is an opportunity for everyone involved in football – from the players to the fans in the stands – to support Jake and show that football is everybody’s game."
