Aston Villa have paid tribute to their former player Thomas Hitzlsperger after he announced he was gay.

Villa said in a statement on Twitter:

Everyone who knows Thomas from his time here at Villa has great respect for him, not only as the fine player he was but also as a man. (1/3) — Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) January 8, 2014

His statement today is a straightforward statement and, along with our support as a club, we hope that everyone involved in the game...(2/3) — Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) January 8, 2014

...extend to him their support as well. (3/3) — Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) January 8, 2014