West Ham United midfielder Matt Jarvis has revealed that people have questioned his sexuality since appearing on the cover of gay magazine Attitude.
The 26-year-old, who is married to wife Sarah, posed for the magazine in January in order to try to encourage gay footballers to be open about their sexuality.
Following the release of the issue, Jarvis has admitted that despite the level of "exposure" around the photoshoot, the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers player is 'honoured' to have done it.
"It was a big decision," the Daily Mail quotes Jarvis as saying. "If I'm completely honest I didn't think it would get as much exposure as it did. But then that just shows the power of football. Looking back, it's good I could help in that scenario.
"It's hard to break down those barriers and if, as a professional footballer, I can help in a slight way then maybe it can help in the long run. Obviously it was out there for me but sometimes you've got to be brave. It was an opportunity I got given and I thought it would be an honour to do it.
"I didn't realise it would be such a big deal. In any other job, any other scenario, why would this be a big deal? But because of football it's magnified. A lot of people who my wife knew were actually asking her if I was gay. It's like, 'Well, we're married. I'm sure she would know!'"
Meanwhile, former Leeds United winger Robbie Rogers has revealed that it was "impossible" for him to continue playing the game as a gay man.
Danielle Joynson
