Former Germany international footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger comes out as gay . The 31-year-old says he wants to further the debate about homosexuality in sport . German football star Thomas Hitzlsperger, who has been a member of Germany's national team since 2004, is now openly gay. The 31-year-old , who retired from the game in September , told German newspaper Die Zeit that he wants to further the debate about homosexuality in sports , which has for long been a taboo . He said the viewpoint that `` gays are soft '' was a common and misplaced clichÃ© .
Former Germany international footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger comes out as gay . The 31-year-old says he wants to further the debate about homosexuality in sport . German football star Thomas Hitzlsperger, who has been a member of Germany's national team since 2004, is now openly gay. He said the viewpoint that `` gays are soft '' was a common and misplaced clichÃ© .