Championship Footballer 'To Come Out As Gay In TV Interview Next Week'

A teenage footballer has reportedly told his Championship club that he is going to come out as gay next week.

The player plans to make the announcement in a televised interview in order to 'break to stigma' around gay players in men's professional football, according to The Sun.

The player is set to become the only openly gay professional male footballer in Britain. 

Sources claim the player is 'very relaxed' about his sexuality and he is said have received the full backing of teammates and officials at his Championship club.

Josh Cavallo (left) is currently the only openly gay professional footballer in the world (Image: PA)

"The player told club officials and his manager about this a few weeks ago and his family already knew," the source told The Sun.

"The club made it very clear it was his decision and they would back what he wanted to do.

"He told his teammates, some as recently as Friday, and they offered him their backing too.

"Football dressing rooms have moved with the times and none of the players see it as a big deal.

"They are all more interested in how he plays and trains. He is a highly valued member of the team."

The last professional British player to come out was Justin Fashanu in 1990 (Image: PA)

There is currently only one openly gay professional footballer in world football - 22-year-old Josh Cavallo, of Australia's Adelaide United.

The last male professional British footballer to come out as gay was Justin Fashanu, who publicly announced his sexuality in 1990.

He tragically took his own life eight years later.

Other players to have played in England, including former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger and ex-Hull City youth team player Thomas Beattie, have come out as gay since retiring from the sport.

Patrice Evra believes there are at least two gay players at every football club (Image: PA)

Amal Fashanu, who runs the Justin Fashanu Foundation named after her uncle, told The Sun: "This is very encouraging news and shows the positive steps that have been taken in society and in football.

"I am sure he will get a positive reaction and it may pave the way for others."

Earlier this year, former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra said he believed there are at least two gay players at every football club.

But he said former teammates of his were afraid to come out because of homophobic attitudes in the dressing room.

"There are at least two players per club who are gay. But in the world of football, if you say so, it's over," said Evra.