Former Premier League footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger has revealed that he is gay.
The 31-year-old, who has played for Aston Villa, West Ham United and Everton during his career, decided to make his sexuality public in an interview with website Zeit Online.
Hitzlsperger, who has 52 caps for Germany to his name, retired from football in September last year following a short-term stint at Goodison Park.
The midfielder becomes the fourth footballer to be openly gay after former Leeds United and current Los Angeles Galaxy winger Robbie Rogers came out in February 2013.