In a video announcement made online, Australian footballer; Josh Cavallo revealed: "There is something personal that I need to share with everyone. I am footballer and I am gay".

"It's been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn't be happier with my decision to come out."

"All I want to do is play football and be treated equally." he added.

The 21 year old said he was tired of trying to perform at his best and that "to live this double life was exhausting".

"It's been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn't be happier with my decision to come out.

"I have been fighting with my sexuality for six years now; and I'm glad I can put that to rest", he said.

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So far, Cavallo is the only openly gay A-League male pro footballer currently playing, and one of the few professional men's soccer players in the world to ever publicly come out. He joins the ranks of Justin Fashanu, and Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger.

His statements sparked an outpouring of support for him, which he called "immense". Australia's professional players union said it was a "wonderful moment" for him, the sport and "the LGBTI+ community".