Former German international Thomas Hitzlsperger, who won 52 caps for his country, revealed his homosexuality in an interview with weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT, to be published on Thursday.
DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach pledged the Munich-born midfielder the support of the footballing world: "During his time as an international player, Thomas Hitzlsperger was always a role model for whom I had the greatest respect, and now I have even greater respect for him. He has decided to go public with this news, and I stand by our word that he has our full support."
Bierhoff on Hitzlsperger’s announcement: "It deserves recognition and respect."
National team manager Oliver Bierhoff also paid tribute to the former midfielder: "When Thomas was still part of the national team, we had no idea he was gay; he only told us after he retired. The fact that he has now decided to come out deserves recognition and respect. I welcome his decision, and we’ll give him all the support he needs to continue along this brave path."
31-year-old Hitzlsperger, who played for clubs including Stuttgart and Aston Villa during his career, made his international debut in Germany’s 2-0 victory over Iran on 9 October 2004, and featured at the 2006 World Cup and 2008 European Championship. He last played for his country in a 2-2 draw with Denmark on 11 August 2010.
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Former German international Thomas Hitzlsperger, who won 52 caps for his country, revealed his homosexuality in an interview with weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT, to be published on Thursday.
DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach pledged the Munich-born midfielder the support of the footballing world: "During his time as an international player, Thomas Hitzlsperger was always a role model for whom I had the greatest respect, and now I have even greater respect for him. He has decided to go public with this news, and I stand by our word that he has our full support."
Bierhoff on Hitzlsperger’s announcement: "It deserves recognition and respect."
National team manager Oliver Bierhoff also paid tribute to the former midfielder: "When Thomas was still part of the national team, we had no idea he was gay; he only told us after he retired. The fact that he has now decided to come out deserves recognition and respect. I welcome his decision, and we’ll give him all the support he needs to continue along this brave path."
31-year-old Hitzlsperger, who played for clubs including Stuttgart and Aston Villa during his career, made his international debut in Germany’s 2-0 victory over Iran on 9 October 2004, and featured at the 2006 World Cup and 2008 European Championship. He last played for his country in a 2-2 draw with Denmark on 11 August 2010.
