March 10, 2011 | Sex & Society

Swedish soccer player: Yep, I'm gay!

UK-born Swedish soccer player Anton Hysen has announced to the world that he's gay. In a sport that has struggled with homosexuality for some time - there are no out professional players -  his revelation is big news. And that Hysen is only 20 years old makes it all the more impressive.

He is the first elite Swedish player to come out, saying it was "fucked up" that no other player has been as open as he is.

“I am a footballer. And gay. If I perform as a footballer, then I do not think it matters if I like girls or boys,” he said.

He is not foolish enough to think the news won't make a difference in his career, but he isn't going to let anyone stop him from being out and playing the game he loves.

“[This] is their problem and not mine,” he said. “People may call me anything they want, it will just make me even more psyched.”

Liverpool-born Swedish footballer comes out [Pink Paper]