Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Paul T Smith

Footballer Zander Murray 'had tears in his eyes' after getting message from Tom Daley when he came out as gay

Scotland's first openly gay professional footballer Zander Murray says he had tears in his eyes after he received a message from Tom Daley after coming out.

The Gala Fairydean Rovers striker told ITV's Lorraine that he's feeling himself for the first time in his life, adding that women's football is exemplary when it comes to sexuality within the sport.

The player's announcement followed that of referees Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson who came out in June this year.

Zander says the support has been amazing. (ITV)

He told Lorraine Kelly: "He [Tom Daley] is an absolute icon like yourself. He messaged me while I was on my way back from football training in a car with four boys.

"I had tears in my eyes seeing his direct message, and I messaged him back.

"I said 'look I am in a car on the way back from football with four boys and I've got tears in my eyes and I don't even care'.

"He's been amazing."

Zander has received support from a number of celebrities and athletes since making his news public a few weeks ago.

In a tweet, the striker told his 4.6K followers that his actions will be louder than his words, as he bids to stamp out hemophobia in men's football.

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox sign up to our weekly Showbiz newsletter here .

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.