From @Guardian Football ► Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo says he knows there are other players “living in silence” after becoming the only known current male top-flight professional footballer in the world to come out as gay.

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"Growing up, I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed", the 21-year-old said during an emotional video shared by his club.

The midfielder, who plays in the A-League - the highest-level professional men's football league in Australia - added that he thought he would "never be able to do what I loved and be gay," but said the "response and support received" from his family, coaches and teammates has been "immense".

"It’s been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come out," @joshua.cavallo continued. "I have been fighting my sexuality for over six years now, and I’m glad I can put that to rest".

Video courtesy of Adelaide United

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