GERMANY: Chancellor Angela Merkel Tells Pro Soccer Players To Come Out

German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday declared that professional soccer players should not fear coming out. Merkel's statement comes as the nation buzzes about the identity of a player who was quoted anonymously this week as saying that he would come out, but he fears for his safety.

Gay Star News has Merkel's quote:

"I am of the opinion that anyone who sums up the strength and bravery – and we have a long tradition of this behind us in politics – should know that they live in a land where they have nothing to fear. ‘The fact there are still fears for some people for their own situation means we need to send out a clear message: you must not be afraid."

The unnamed player is reportedly a major star. He told Fluter Magazine:

"I would no longer be safe if my sexuality was to be made public. I don’t know whether I will be able to take the constant tension between the model heterosexual player and the possible discovery until the end of my career. Should someone explain to the outraged crowd before the game that 'the gays' are actually completely normal men and then simply play? Unimaginable. In the situation in a stadium or after the game, any tiny thing within the group would be made into a big deal."