Atletico Madrid superstar, Koke, has openly backed homosexuality amongst footballers.
Koke, 26, is expected for the Hybrid friendly between Nigeria and Rojinlancos next week.
He was part of the Atletico team that cruised to the Europa League title with a 3-0 victory over Marseille on Wednesday evening.
Before taking to the pitch in Lyon, he sat down with Icon to discuss an issue that runs beneath the surface of football: the absence of openly gay players.
“People have more respect for homosexuality,” he revealed.
“Perhaps nobody has come out because there aren’t gay players, or because they don’t feel brave enough to come out due to what people will say.
“I think that people have more and more respect for homosexuality and equality in society. A footballer being homosexual shouldn’t have any influence when it comes to taking to the pitch.”
Koke was asked if he would have any problem coming out as gay publically. “To be honest, I don’t know.
“I would have to be in that situation and as I’m not, I can’t say.
“But in principle, no. You are who you are and you have to accept yourself for that. I wouldn’t have a problem coming out as gay, I think.”
