Jake Daniels plays in the Championship, the English Second Division, defending the Blackpool shield, but the name of this 17-year-old has not stopped ringing in recent hours throughout England, and throughout the world, because he has become the first active professional player in that country to declare himself gay. A recognition that he has had the full support of his teammates.
Blackpool youth squad Jake Daniels follows in the footsteps of Australian Josh Cavallo, who a few months ago became the first professional player to come out as gay. In statements to ‘Sky Sports’ television, the midfielder has shown how happy he is for the support received by his teammates and has assured that he hopes to become a role model.
Daniels is the first active footballer in Europe to come out as gay since Justin Fashanu in 1990.
“This year I have made my debut with the first team and I have scored 30 goals with the youth team, in addition to signing my first professional contract. But off the field I’ve been hiding the real me. I’ve known all my life that I’m gay and I’m ready to come out of the closet and be myself”, explained the player in the text released by ‘Sky Sports’.
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