“I feel ready to tell people my story,” said Daniels in an interview with the broadcaster “Sky Sports”. The 17-year-old recently signed his first professional contract with the English second division club FC Blackpool and now wants to serve as a role model for others.

So far, Daniels is the only active professional footballer in Europe who has taken this step. In front of him, the 22 -year -old Australian Josh Cavallo from Adelaide United had already publicly known for his homosexuality last October. In Europe, the now deceased Englishman Justin Fashanu had come out in 1990. In Germany, former international Thomas Hitzlsperger was the only professional to date after the end of his career. In 2013 the former US international and ex-major League-soccer professional Robbie Rogers did it.

“For a long time I thought that I would hide my truth because I wanted to be a football professional that I am now,” said the attacker, who reported initial doubts. “I wondered if I should wait until I calm down before I make it public.”

Daniels wants to serve as a model for others

“I just don’t want to lie anymore,” said Daniels, who informed his family and club before the interview, and expressed hope that other active players will follow his role model. “I’m only 17, but I am aware that it is what I want to do,” said the Blackpool-Jungstar, “and if I have my coming out, see other people and that Get feeling that you might be able to do the same, that would be awesome. “

The decision has already been worthwhile. “I scored four goals the day after I told my mother and sister,” said Daniels. “This shows what kind of weight I got off my shoulders and what a huge relief it was.”