Josh Cavallo opens up on being a gay footballer: I have fought against my sexuality to achieve my dream

Josh Cavallo, who plays in the A-League for Adelaide United, has come out as gay and hopes that in doing so he can provide solidarity for fellow footballers going through what he has.

The 21-year-old announced this in a video that was shared by his club on social media, accompanied by an open letter.

"There's something personal that I need to share with everyone. I am a footballer and I am gay," Cavallo started the video.

His announcement has received support and praise from all corners of the footballing world, who admire the player for what he has done.

"I have been fighting my sexuality for six years now and I'm glad I can put that to rest," Cavallo described being a gay professional footballer who was not yet out.

"Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn't crossed paths before."

Thomas Hitzlsperger, formerly of West Ham, came out as gay after ending his footballing career. However, with Cavallo still playing he joins the likes of compatriot Andy Brennan and Collin Martin, who have come out as gay in men's professional football.

Cavallo said that he was aware of other players that were not yet out and he hoped that his announcement will help them to be proud of themselves.