COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Former MLS and U.S. national team player Robbie Rogers says he is gay.

In a post on his personal website, Rogers writes: “Life is only complete when your loved ones know you. … Try explaining to your loved ones after 25 years you are gay.”

Rogers’ agent, Shaun Higgins, confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday that the post was from his client. Rogers linked the post from his Twitter account.

Rogers played for the Columbus Crew of MLS from 2007 to 2011. He has been receiving an outpouring of support from American teammates, players in England’s professional leagues, soccer officials and others around the world.

No professional athlete in any of the four major North American team sports has come out until well after he was done playing.

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