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Anton Hysén becomes first high-profile Swedish footballer to come out

Son of former Liverpool star Glenn Hysén becomes first high-profile Swedish footballer to admit that he's gay
 

The 20-year-old, who plays in the Swedish Division 2 as left-back for Utsiktens BK, who are coached by his father Glenn, comes from a footballing family with his older brothers Tobias and Alexander both playing professionally too. Anton also had a promissory start in Häcken, a first league team, but had injury’s problems and left the team. He made the announcement in a magazine interview.

Hysen revealed that he came out to try and show that being a gay footballer is no big deal.

"I might not play in the top league, but I want to prove that there is no big deal if I'm a footballer and also gay," he told Offside magazine.

"I am a footballer. And gay. If I perform as a footballer, then I do not think it matters if I like girls or boys."

Hysen admits that some people might have a problem with his decision.

"There will always be people who can't tolerate gay people, just like there are people who can't tolerate immigrants. A club might be interested in me and then the coach might change his mind if he finds out I'm gay, but that is his problem not mine."

Hysen admitted that his announcement could affect his career, but added: "People may call me anything they want, it will just make me even more psyched."

England cricket player Steven Davies and Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas both recently came out in high profile cases, but there are currently no openly gay footballers in England's top four divisions.

"It's totally sick when you think about it," Hysen said about the lack of openly gay footballers.

"It's so f****d up, everything. Where the hell is everyone else?"

Hysen's brother Tobias, a Swedish international with 15 caps, backed his brother's decision.

"Hopefully more people will have the courage to come out now after his brave decision."

"If my brother’s reaction is positive, then others footballers would do the same" – Hysen said

Anton's father Glenn joined Liverpool in 1989, and helped the Reds to their 18th league title in his first season. He left the Merseyside giants in 1992.

Hysen senior told the magazine he was pleased his son had decided to come out.


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: )  very brave attitude from the boy