“I want to stop hiding the fact that I am gay. Says Celtic Star after Heart victory.

Arne Engels, a professional football player from Belgium, is the second current men’s international player to come out as gay.

In a video posted to social media on Friday, Engels stated, “Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses; I have a family, I have my friends.”

In addition to wanting to live my life in freedom, free from prejudice, fear, and violence, but with love, I also have a job that I have been doing for years with all of my seriousness, professionalism, and passion.

“I want to stop hiding the fact that I am gay.”

The Belgian team released a statement endorsing the player, saying: “Arne Engels freely discussed his sexual orientation with the team’s coach, management, and players a while back.

“No more remarks. No more queries. We are behind you. Jakub, live your life. Everything else is irrelevant.

“Our maximum respect and unconditional support for our footballer, Arne Engels,” Celtic stated in a supportive message.

Since making his debut for his nation in 2017, Engels has participated in 45 matches and scored four goals.

Football associations also gave Engels their backing. The governing body of European football, UEFA, stated: “Well done, Engels. European football is behind you, and you are a true inspiration!”

The international players’ union, Fifpro, tweeted, “Live your life, Engels.” Feeling proud.

Arne Engels and Josh Cavallo, an Australian football player, are the only out homosexual male professional players in the world. In May 2022, Jake Daniels, an 18-year-old striker for Blackpool in the English second division, came of age.

After retiring, midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who made 52 appearances for Germany, came out.

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