SCOTTISH striker Zander Murray has been “blown away by support” after coming out as gay.
The Gala Fairydean Rovers ace, 30, has become Scottish football’s first openly gay player since Justin Fashanu played for Airdrieonians and Hearts in the 1990s.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Murray said: “It feels like the weight of the world is now off my shoulders.
“The lads at the club have been so supportive. Before coming out, you think people will turn against you and you think the worst – I have been blown away by the support.”
Murray went on to reveal that attending his first pride event while on holiday over the summer inspired him to come out.
He added: “I have always been that closeted never to go to these things, but I loved it.
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“The vibe was brilliant and everyone was just being free and happy and it was great to just be me.
“I also want to help other players who are struggling with this as it isn’t easy for men, especially footballers, to deal with.”
Speaking exclusively to the Scottish Sun, Murray admitted that he hopes to inspire other athletes to feel able to openly be themselves.
He said: “If I can inspire one person, I have done my job.
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“I know there are other gay men playing football in Scotland, in the leagues, and I hope this gives them strength to speak out.
“A couple of sportsmen have messaged me with support, and I had no idea they were gay.
“I was like ‘bloody hell, wow, brilliant’, and it has helped me to do it myself.”
On the response of his Gala team-mates, Murray said: “I was petrified thinking they would care, but no one gave a monkeys.
“Gareth Rodger [captain] and Danny Galbraith [vice-captain] have been really sound and respectful, the chairman, everyone. It means a lot to me.
“Because I wasn’t accepting it, I struggled with it and I used to try and batter myself in the gym to fight the demons and pretend I would be straight.
“I am now at the point where my life is good, and I don’t feel I need to pretend anymore.”
I am one goal away from 100 career goals
Zander Murray
On his football career Murray, who followed referees Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson coming out over the summer, added: “It’s probably taken me so long because of football – I would definitely say my sexuality has probably hindered me a wee bit.
“I’m currently with Gala and people were probably a little bit surprised that I stayed with them this season – I broke their record for goal scoring in the league last year and I am one goal away from 100 career goals.
“But because of me, my sexuality, I’ll be honest I would feel a bit uncomfortable moving away because of that.
“I have seriously struggled for years because I am not your typical gay guy.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
