The former captain of the Bayern Munich Philipp Lahm, was at the center of a controversy after a preview of his autobiography was released, due to be published on February 22, reflecting on the taboo on homosexuality in football.
Premier League footballer admits he is gay
Rather than encouraging footballers to come out, the Bavarian team idol felt it is best they don’t and keep hiding it to avoid possible harassment from the press, other players and fans.
“There is still a lack of acceptance in the football world and in society in general,” he says. Weak in his book entitled ‘The game: the world of football’, referring to the fact that gay athletes are not allowed to tell anyone but their inner circle about their sexual preferences.
Along the same lines, he explained that not all players or fans would have the caution to understand and respect him: “ He won’t be able to count on the same maturity in all of his rivals or in the stages or stages he’s going to. compete.”
“They should endure insults and slander, who would accept that, that they annoy you because you are who you are?” Asked the world champion.
He also referred to his ex-partner’s case Thomas Hitzlsperger, who revealed his sexual orientation shortly after his retirement in 2014. “I declare my homosexuality because I want this issue to move forward in the world of professional sports,” the former midfielder revealed in an interview published by the daily newspaper Die Zeit.
In dialogue with Sky Sport, and consulted for the statements he made in his book on football and homosexuality, Weak He said, “I’d rather warn of the dangers. What to Expect I think it is my job to point out the dangers. But I would support anyone who takes this step. ”
The footballers who decided to come out
While the German’s sayings travel the world, a publication of more than 800 football players of the Bundesliga who decided to support fellow homosexuals to talk freely about their lives. That is the free decision of each individual. But we want everyone making the decision to be sure of our full support and solidarity, ” said the statement in 11 Freunde magazine.
“It’s a great campaign and I’m really happy there is one like that,” he said. Weak about this move. “I think about the dangers in the stadium when you watch some of the matches and see what is happening in terms of violence and racism. If all the fans were to do what they did in the match between Münster and Würzburg, where the audience reacted to a racist insult and excluded and identified the person, if it always did, it would be desirable. ”