He also hit out at the amount of homophobia in football
Former Brazil international Richarlyson has come out as bisexual and has hit out at the amount of homophobia still present in football and his homeland.
The 39-year-old, who made two appearances for Brazil in 2008, has become the first player that has competed in the Brazilian top-flight to come out publicly.
‘So many people say it is important that I stand up, so I decided to say it today’
Richarlyson opened up about his decision to come out and said that it was important he ‘stood up’ and expressed his true emotions.
“All my life I was asked whether I was gay or not. I had relationships with men and I had relationships with women, too,” he told the Nos Armarios dos Vestiarios podcast.
“I am normal, I have wishes and desire. I dated men, I date women. So what?
“So many people say it is important that I stand up, so I decided to say it today. I am bisexual.”
The 39-year-old, who retired from football last season, revealed that he didn’t want to publicly express his feelings during his career as he “didn’t want to be ruled out because of his sexuality.”
‘Unfortunately, the world is not prepared to have this discussion and deal with it naturally’
But despite the former midfielder’s bravery, he believes his honesty won’t have a positive impact in his home country where homophobia is a major issue.
“Unfortunately, the world is not prepared to have this discussion and deal with it naturally,” he added. “Do you understand why I think it’s unnecessary for you to label yourself sometimes?
“There is a more important issue, there are people dying, Brazil is the country that kills the most homosexuals.
“And we are here talking about football, okay, but football is a small business. Ah, but your speech can help. No, it won’t help.
“Who is Richarlyson, for God’s sake?! I am a mere ordinary citizen, who had a nice history in football, but I will not be able to move mountains to stop these crimes, to stop homophobia in football.”
Richarlyson’s decision follows after Blackpool’s Jake Daniels recently became the first professional footballer to come out as gay since Justin Fashanu in 1990.
Related links:
- Blackpool’s Jake Daniels publicly comes out as gay
- Josh Cavallo hails Jake Daniels’ bravery and says he is ‘very proud’
- Scottish referee Craig Napier comes out as gay and wants ‘to see the climate change’
