Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThomas Hitzlsperger has urged journalists to take a respectful approach if they want to help gay footballers feel comfortable coming out.The former Aston Villa and Germany midfielder came out himself in 2014, just a few months after announcing his retirement from playing professional football.But there have been very few openly gay male footballers since then - and Hitzlsperger hopes that the media can learn to be genuinely supportive rather than prioritising their own interests.Hitzlsperger told FourFourTwo: "The example of a group of 125 employees of the German Catholic Church coming out in 2022 was a powerful statement and, within the world of football, there are many possibilities."Id assume in some way that would be easier, but because every story is different, some players may want to tell their own personal story, and not be one of 10, 20 or however many footballers to come out. You may like Thomas Hitzlsperger describes his experience of coming out as gay in 2014 "The reality is there are very few openly gay male footballers. Its rooted in toxic masculinity, but life is toxic and thats the sad thing" - Thomas Hitzlsperger explains why so few male players have come out Hitzlsperger on why WWII stereotypes stood out more than homophobia at Aston Villa "I just hope that footballers who are gay find a way to live happy lives."Nowadays, theres a strong desire from a number of journalists to break stories and its become almost obsessive.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."Its very annoying, because it would be best to leave closeted players alone and let them find a way. It feels more about breaking the story of the next gay footballer and less about helping to really make a change."Thats something I dont like we have to be as supportive as we can, but dont give the impression that we want to force people to come out because its for the greater good."While I embraced my identity as a gay man after my playing career, I had to discover what I wanted to do after retiring in 2013 at the age of 31. What to read next Michael Olise's nonchalant interview schtick is rude, tiresome and boring - sort it out Dimitar Berbatov opens up on his career as a cult hero 'I've seen how you've treated Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel - if you don't leave my family alone, I'll quit' - New Germany boss Jurgen Klopp fires warning to media "That transition applies to every single player and is about finding a new passion. For all of your life, youve been focused on your football career."Suddenly thats over and you have to really think about what you want to do, what you want to be in life, other than a former footballer."Its about finding your own structure, because for so long youre being told when to show up for training, what to wear and what to do."Its also about dealing with being on your own, no longer in the spotlight. You have to be able to live another successful career."Football v Homophobia is a year-round initiative tackling anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, building inclusive communities at all levels of the game around the world. For more info and support, visit footballvhomophobia.comTOPICSThomas HitzlspergerWest Ham UnitedEvertonAston VillaSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.With contributions fromGrant Shub
