Kroos admits he's unsure if he'd encourage a player to come out as gay

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has admitted he is unsure whether he would ever recommend a player to come out as gay publicly amid fears of fan abuse.

The German  midfielder spoke about the lack of openly homosexual professional footballers in an interview with GQ magazine.

Kroos believes any footballer who came out as gay would have the support of clubs but expressed concerns about rival supporters potentially using insults against them.

He said: 'My common sense tells me that we should all be able to live in full freedom, of that there is no doubt. But I don't know if I would recommend a player to come out of the closet.

'Certain words are often used on the field, and given the emotions experienced in the stands, I can't assure you (that player) didn't end up being insulted or belittled.

'I am sure that a player, if he decides to take this step, would receive the support of many teams. But I doubt this will happen in front of rival supporters.

'Every player has to decide for himself whether he considers it an advantage or disadvantage, though I think, even to this day they wouldn't all be advantages.'

During his interview with GQ, Kroos spoke about a number of issues including his future at Real Madrid.

The 30-year-old joined the Galacticos for £26m back in 2014 and has featured 266 times for the side.

In that time he has won one La Liga title and three back-to-back Champions League trophies.

Kroos told GQ that he intends to fulfil his current contract which lasts until June 2023, and hopes to finish his career in the Spanish capital.