Ex-Premier League star reveals two of his old team-mates at either Stoke City or West Brom were openly gay
A FORMER Premier League star says two of his former team-mates in England were gay - but asked him and the rest of the squad to keep it quiet.
Justin Fashanu, who committed suicide in 1998, was the last active player in this country to come out back in 1990.
But ex-Stoke City and West Brom ace Carl Hoefkens has now called for the taboo surrounding homosexual footballers to end.
The 39-year-old, who is a married dad of two, has previously posed for a gay magazine five years ago.
And now Hoefkens revealed to told De Zondag: “I played alongside three gay footballers, including one who was a genuinely big name.
“They did not hide who they were in the dressing-room.
“One was at Club Brugge, and the other two were in England. I won't name names as I respect their requests.
“One of them would even arrive at training with his boyfriend. They asked us to keep quiet to the outside world, but don't ask me why.”
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The Belgian international continued: “I find it strange that homosexuality is still a taboo in football. It is a pity.
“I didn't hesitate for a second to pose for the magazine. That was during a time of renewed violence against gays.
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“My parents always taught me that all men are equal, including their sexual orientation.
“I hope that a top player will one day stand up and announce: 'I'm gay - so what?' Then the taboo will finally disappear.
“If I were gay I would do it for certain.
“This is something that is generally accepted in society after all.”
Another former Prem player Thomas Hitzlsperger, who starred for Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton on these shores, came out after retiring in 2013.
And old Leeds winger Robbie Rogers revealed he was gay after returning to his homeland in the US later that year.
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Hoefkens made 96 Stoke appearances and scored five times during his two-years with the club.
He went on to spend two years with the Baggies, playing 62 times, and won 22 caps for his country.
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