Former Germany international footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger comes out as gay . German national team coach Joachim Low said in a statement on the German Football Association 's website : `` Thomas has made this personal decision for himself , and should be treated with respect from all sides . '' The year - old says he wants to change the debate about homosexuality in Germany . Hitzlsperger played at the World Cup and European Championship for Germany . He said the saying that ` ` ' are soft '' was a common and misplaced clichÃ © .
Former Germany international footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger comes out as gay . The year - old says he wants to change the debate about homosexuality in Germany . Hitzlsperger played at the World Cup and European Championship for Germany . He said the saying that ` ` ' are soft '' was a common and misplaced clichÃ © .