David Testo becomes first soccer pro to come out: “I’m gay. I didn’t choose. It’s just part of who I am.”

Congratulations to former Major League Soccer player David Testo who came out during an interview with the CBC.

I’m gay, I’m gay. I did not choose. It’s just part of who I am. And it has nothing to do with the talent of a soccer player. You can be both an excellent soccer player and being gay. …

I really regret not having said publicly earlier. I fought with it all my life, my whole career. Living the life of a professional athlete and being gay is incredibly difficult. It is like wearing a secret in his bags but never yourself. It saps all your energy to you, in addition to having to perform, having to play.

It’s always a little heartbreaking when you read about someone who felt forced to lead a double life. But that makes it all the more inspiring when they decide, on their own, to come out.

According to OutSports, Testo played for the MLS team Columbus Crew and most recently played for Montreal Impact (set to become part of the MLS next season) winning the team’s MVP award in 2009. He was dropped by the team a month ago but it not retired.

Testo played college soccer at the University of South Carolina and University of North Carolina where he helped lead the Tar Heels to an NCAA Championship his junior season.