Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos admits concern over gay footballers coming out due to fears of fan abuse

‘Certain words are often used on the field, and given the emotions experienced in the stands, I can’t assure you (that player) didn’t end up being insulted or belittled’

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has admitted that he would be concerned about recommending a gay footballer to “come out of the closet” due to the abuse they might receive from opposition supporters.

Kroos, who said any player who chose to come out publicly would have the full support of their club and teammates, fears it could lead to “insults or belittling” in the stands.

“My common sense tells me that we should all be able to live in full freedom, of that there is no doubt,” Kroos told GQ. “But I don’t know if I would recommend a player to come out of the closet.

“Certain words are often used on the field, and given the emotions experienced in the stands, I can’t assure you (that player) didn’t end up being insulted or belittled.

“I am sure that a player, if he decides to take this step, would receive the support of many teams. But I doubt this will happen in front of rival supporters

“Every player has to decide for himself whether he considers it an advantage or disadvantage, though I think, even to this day they wouldn’t all be advantages.”

In the interview, Kroos, 30, who joined Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2014, added that he hopes to finish his career in the Spanish capital.