Former Brazil and Sao Paulo midfielder Richarlyson said in a podcast that he is bisexual, a rare revelation in a country where macho culture in soccer is rife. He is the first player from a Brazilian top-flight team to say he's bisexual.
The 39-year-old Richarlyson played two matches for Brazil in 2008. He was part of the Sao Paulo squad that won the 2005 Club World Cup against Liverpool. The midfielder also won three national titles for the club.
Ricky, as fans used to call him, was also in Atletico Mineiro's Copa Libertadores winning squad in 2013.
바카라All my life I was asked whether I was gay or not. I had relationships with men and I had relationships with women, too,바카라 Richarlyson said in the podcast aired by website Globo Esporte. 바카라I am normal, I have wishes and desire. I dated men, I date women. So what?
바카라So many people say it is important that I stand up, so I decided to say it today. I am bisexual.바카라 The former footballer and analyst at TV Globo said he didn't talk about his sexuality previously because he believed 바카라the world is not ready to have this discussion and handle this naturally.바카라
The only similar public case in Brazil was a fourth-division player in 2010; goalkeeper Messi, who played for Palmeira, a team from the inland city of Goianinha. Richarlyson said he chose his career over revealing his sexuality.
바카라I am not saying this because I stopped playing. No,바카라 he said. 바카라I never said it because it was not my priority. It wasn't today either, but now I felt comfortable to say it. I wish this was not a topic. I wanted to talk about my new career as a pundit,바카라 he said.
Sao Paulo asked for respect for its former player on Twitter: 바카라That same courage he shows in his life. Maximum respect for his trajectory,바카라 the club said, without mentioning the content of the interview. Atletico Mineiro, where Richarlyson played briefly, was more effusive.
바카라Richarlyson, thanks for recognizing Atletico is the only team you played and did not suffer prejudice,바카라 the club said on Twitter. 바카라May soccer be a place of respect to any sexual orientation.바카라 Sao Paulo-based Corinthians also celebrated his openness in the podcast.
Corinthians posted on Twitter: 바카라Richarlyson was a great player, a great rival on the pitch and is a great sports professional. Now, after he says he is bisexual he remains all of that, and puts himself as an important voice of the resistance. We have the utmost respect.바카라
