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MLS midfielder Minnesota United, Collin Martin, revealed on Friday that he was gay, being the only openly gay male athlete from a large US sports team.
Martin, a 23-year-old American, made the announcement on Twitter, before the nightly promotion of United Gay Pride in a home game against Dallas.
"Tonight, my team, @MNUFC, is hosting its Gay Pride Night, it's an important night for me, I'll be announcing that I'm an openly gay player in Major League Soccer," Martin tweeted.
Other US athletes who revealed that they are gay during their career are Jason Collins, NBA, NFL football player Michael Sam, and Robbie Rogers, of the Los Angeles Galaxy MLS. .
Rogers became the first openly gay man to play in a high-profile sports league in the United States when he played for the Galaxy in a game. Artido in 2013.
He had been the only openly gay man in an American sports club until his retirement last November.
Martin, who made his MLS debut nine weeks after Rogers made his statement with the Galaxy, is in his sixth season in MLS after four seasons with DC United and two with Minnesota
"I I have been a gay man for many years for my family and friends, and that includes my teammates, "Martin said in his statement.
"I am proud that my entire team and the Minnesota United administration know that I am gay, I have received the kindness and acceptance of everyone in the MLS, and that made the decision to make the public a lot easier, "said Martin. my teammates for their unconditional support for what I am, in light of my experience as a professional athlete, i want to take this moment to encourage others who practice a professional sport or not to believe that the sport the Will welcome all Heart, "he adds.
Commissioner Don Garber supported Martin's decision in a statement:" We admire Collin's courage and are proud of him and the support of the football community. "
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