Anton Hysén, the son of former Liverpool and Fiorentina legend Glenn Hysén, became the first Swedish male footballer (soccer) to openly declare his homosexuality on Wednesday, courting support but also derision from some quarters of the footballing world.

QX Magazine - Anton Hysen

 

Hysén, a promising 20-year-old who has played with top flight club Häcken and has his sights set on a professional career, chose the Swedish football (soccer) monthly Offside to come out about his sexuality, the Local reports.

“I may not play in the top flight, but I want to show that it doesn’t have to be a big deal,” Hysén told the magazine, calling on his fellow gay footballers to take a stand for tolerance.

The Swedish Football (soccer) Association welcomed Hysén’s stand, expressing a hope that more gay footballers would be encouraged to talk openly about their sexuality.

”I think this is very positive. It was about time – it is part of society and it must be normal and should be nothing out of the ordinary,” Susanne Erlandsson, vice chairperson of the Swedish Football (soccer) Association, told The Local on Thursday.

Photo – QX Magazine – Anton Hysen

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