A Premier League star has confessed he wants to come out as gay, but has been met with worries from his club who are concerned about the reaction of fans.
The footballer has been told he is not to make a public declaration without the blessing of the club and is said to be in talks with bosses who are seeking assurances that the news won't impact his season.
It comes as one Twitter account 'The Gay Footballer', which is said to belong to a player in the Championship, expressed he would be coming out publicly in the next few days.
It is not yet known who either of the players are and sources close to the Premier League player have highlighted the significance of the decision.
Speaking to The Sun, and insider said: 'After telling his club, officials have expressed reservations.'
The star player, along with his agent have been in discussions with team officials for several months and the insider said that the club are keen for another player to come out first.
'The club has been supportive but is anxious about a backlash from fans.
'Ideally they want another player to 'come out' first, so they are not the centre of attention.
'The club wants the best for the player and realises he should be celebrated for being so brave and willing to be open about his sexuality.
'But bosses are anxious a public announcement does not consume the club.'
The man's desire to come out had allegedly been discussed by his team-mates in WhatsApp groups and are said to have accused the club of being 'stuck in the past'.
One of the player's colleagues also said that the player is disappointed with the club for being preoccupied with the perception of the fans.
'It is a positive story and he deserves to be treated as a trailblazer', he said.
Earlier this week a Twitter account with the name 'The Gay Footballer', revealed he would be the first player to publicly come out.
The account has over 17,000 followers and has charted the journey of the conversation the unknown players has had with club bosses.
He tweeted: 'This afternoon I requested a meeting with both my manager and the club chairman.
'At this meeting I revealed to both gentlemen that I am a homosexual man, I explained that I had only yesterday come out to my family.
'I sought advice from both men regarding the fact that I not only want to, but will, come out publicly as a proud, confident gay professional footballer.
'As it currently stands, once I have taken the time to give full consideration to how and when I am to make it public, a press conference will be organised by the club, with invitations to be made in due course to both local and national press.'
TheTactician
120
We don't care. If are a sick homo sexual person that's fine, but please keep it to yourself because we don't want to hear or see anything about it. Why feel the need to tell the entire world that you like other dudes?
Samuel1213
108
To be honest i see gay persons as people which can't get a girl or people that are mentally ill. So im sorry but for me that is not normal. seriosly
starfantom220
75
I'm actually shocked at the sheer amount of homophobia in this comment section. Just because he's gay doesn't change a thing about him. When he comes out he will be the exact same person as the day before. Going from loving watching him play to hating him and him being 'demonic' over something as stupid as the fact that he simply just likes guys. To all the people spreading these comments,think: What if tomorrow,your best friend comes out as gay. Would you really hate him over something as small as that? And if you say that you would hate him after he comes out,maybe your best friend would need to reconsider their choice in friends and who they trust
kuzelmpy
39
This is of no concern at all.... By now we could have had an empty world if we had two males on the whole planet alone.. I respect n honor all female for their tremendous contribution to earth n for populating it... ❤❤❤❤.. This gay thing is disgusting
khiladisuman
39
if this footballer whoever it is Is actually gay then can he play both male and female football??
AyanfunmiSbs
20
To be honest i see gay persons as people which can't get a girl or people that are mentally ill. So im sorry but for me that is not normal. seriosly
God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve. Even science says like poles repel and unlike poles attract.
Yousaf10
13
God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve. Even science says like poles repel and unlike poles attract.
This comment deserves 1000 likes
Madridista_sagr
8
Whoever he is , just be open. There is no shame. If club doesn't respect that, hell with it leave the club.