Casey Stoney: I thought coming out as gay would end my football career
England and Arsenal footballer Casey Stoney has said she thought coming out as gay would end her career.
Stoney who came out as gay last February, became a mother to twins with her partner, former Lincoln player Megan Harris last November.
The Arsenal defender and former England captain has said she never expected to receive letters of support from people commending her on coming out as gay.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 32-year-old is excited to find out if she will be going to Canada 2015 as part of the England squad.
She said: “When I was initially asked to do a piece, I sat down with my family and my partner and I have to be honest, I was absolutely petrified.
“I didn’t know what the response would be. I thought it would be negative and it was completely the opposite – it was overwhelmingly positive.
“Yes I’ve had a few negatives, and yes I’ve had a few things sent that were not very nice through the post, but I’ve got to say that’s a rarity. It’s been 98-99 per cent positive.”
She has been sent texts through the post complaining that she is openly gay, but she said she had learned to deal with it.
“The fact that people have reached out and said how much it’s been supportive to them and helped them, that was all it was about really, to make sure other people didn’t feel isolated and lost like I did when I was growing up.”
