England women's captain Casey Stoney has spoken publicly about being gay for the first time. The 31 year old told BBC Sport she decided to come out after the positive reaction to diver Tom Daley saying he was in a relationship with a man, and because of the "loving relationship" she is in.
"I was living a lie," Stoney said. "I've never hidden it within football circles because it is accepted.
"But to the outside world, I've never spoken about my sexuality."
The Arsenal Ladies defender added: "I feel it's really important for me to speak out as a gay player because there are so many people struggling who are gay, and you hear about people taking their own lives because they are homosexual. That should never happen.
"How can I expect other people to speak about themselves if I'm not willing to do that myself?"
