Former Brazil star Richarlyson opened up about being bisexual as he lamented attitudes towards homosexuality.
The 39-year-old, who was twice capped by his country in 2008, recently called time on his career, most of which was spent in South America playing for the likes of Sao Paulo and Atletico Mineiro. He said he has dated men and women but was conscious of the media fallout his announcement could have in light of attitudes towards homosexuality in his homeland.
He said on the Nos Armarios dos Vestiarios podcast: “All my life I've been asked if I'm gay. I've had a relationship with a man and I've had a relationship with a woman as well. But then I speak here today and soon the news will be printed: 'Richarlyson is bisexual'. And the meme is ready. They will say: 'Wow, but swear? I had no idea'.
"Man, I'm normal, I have wants and desires. I've dated a man, I've dated a woman, but so what? What are you going to do? Anything. It's going to paint a headline that Richarlyson talked about on a podcast that he's bisexual. Nice. And then it will rain with reports, and most importantly, which is the agenda, it will not change, which is the issue of homophobia. Unfortunately, the world is not prepared to have this discussion and deal with it naturally."
Richarlyson highlighted the concerning attitudes in his homeland towards homosexuality, but whilst footballers are often hailed as role models, he is doubtful as to whether his honesty will lead to any change.
He claimed: “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."
The now-retired midfielder is due to become a commentator but was always fearful his sexuality would hamper his career after hanging up his boots. He added: “I didn't want to be ruled out because of my sexuality, that I'm bisexual. I wanted people to see me as a mirror for everything I've achieved in my work. I never put my sexuality ahead of my work, and I never would.
"And I'm not saying that now because I stopped playing. A lot of mean people will say that, which I said now because I don't play anymore. Not. I never spoke because it was not my priority, as it was not today, but today I felt comfortable speaking."