Jarvis: Coming out could help gay footballers play better

Jan 4, 2013 3:10:00 PM

The Hammers winger has admitted that it is difficult for homosexual players to be open about their sexuality, but hopes that more will be able to do so in future

West Ham star Matt Jarvis believes coming out could help gay footballers to play better, after becoming the third footballer to be pictured on the front cover of the UK gay magazine, Attitude.

The former Wolves winger has followed in the footsteps of players like David Beckham and Freddie Ljungberg in being photographed for the publication's January issue.

"It's everyday life," the Hammers' record signing said. "It's not something that's going to be a shock.

"I'm sure there are many footballers who are gay, but when they decide to actually come out and say it, it is a different story. It's one that I'm sure they've thought about many times. But it's a hard thing for them to do."

When asked whether coming out could improve a gay footballer’s performances, the 26-year-old, who is married, said: "I'd agree with that, because you've always got something you're worried about at the back of your mind.

"If you can let that go and just concentrate on your one goal, which is [playing] whichever sport you're doing to the best of your ability, I think that would help. Definitely.

"There'd be support everywhere within the football community, whether it be [from] players, fans, or within the PFA [Professional Footballer's Association].

"There would definitely be groups of people who would be supportive and help them through it," he added.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

Player Ratings: Roma 0-1 Lazio
Goal evaluates the performances of everyone involved in the Coppa Italia final, with the Biancocelesti taking the title thanks to Senad Lulic's 71st-minute strike
Player Ratings: Real Sociedad 3-3 Real Madrid
Goal.com rates the players on show as the Basques rescue a point with a stoppage-time equaliser, but will be left ruing their profligacy in front of goal for much of the game
Player Ratings: Espanyol 0-2 Barcelona
Goal took in the action in Catalunya, where the Liga champions took derby spoils after quality goals from Alexis Sanchez and Pedro
Player Ratings: Lorient 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain
Goal.com rates the performers on show as Carlo Ancelotti's side brought the curtain down on the Ligue 1 season with a comfortable 3-1 win over les Merlus.
Bundesliga dominance a sign of things to come
German football's rise from the depths of Euro 2000 despair has been long and arduous but now they are finally getting to see the benefits and reap the rewards of their hard work