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Gay footballers are afraid to come out, says Sweden's Ekdal

Sampdoria and Sweden midfielder Albin Ekdal has expressed his frustration that players are still reluctant to come out as homosexual in the modern football world.

Ekdal has spoken out on a number of occasions on the need to make the sport more welcoming, and previously pointed out the more inclusive atmosphere enjoyed in women's football as an example to follow.

And speaking at a debate organised by the European Parliament, he repeated his call for diverse sexual orientations to be respected.

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"In an ideal world nobody would feel uncomfortable saying they are homosexual, in their regular life or in football," Ekdal told the Sport and Homophobia: a Game to Win conference.