For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Frank Lampard has challenged existing ideas that footballers are all “macho”, suggesting that attitudes towards sexuality on and off the pitch have changed significantly.
The former England midfielder was asked by Alan Carr on his Chatty Man show whether the British public would ever be likely to “see a gay footballer”.
“Statistically there should be loads,” Carr said. “One in ten are gay aren’t they? Fifty-thousand professional footballers, one of them must be.”
“I think a lot of the problem is, as you say, it’s a fact that it will be out there, as it is in all modern life at all times, but I think we are probably at fault as a sport,” Lampard replied.
“I think that it’s that old syndrome where it’s a man’s game and you can’t talk about that. I have to say the game’s changing a lot.
Landmark LGBT TV moments
Show all 10
“There are a lot of campaigns. I feel it in the dressing room. There’s a different feel about it.
Thomas Hitzlsperger, who played for Aston Villa, also came out ahead of his retirement in 2014.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies