Subscribe to ITN News: http://goo.gl/zRYiYn A day after Thomas Hitzlsperger made his homosexuality public, the former German international footballer has released a video message, explaining his decision to come out. In the video, which was recorded in December, Hitzlsperger discussed the timing of his announcement and described how he was in an eight-year relationship with a woman before realising that he is homosexual. The 31-year-old, who retired in September, played 52 times for Germany between 2004 and 2010 and spent his club career at Aston Villa, VfB Stuttgart, Lazio, West Ham United, VfL Wolfsburg and Everton. In the interview released by his public relations agency, Hitzlsperger also addressed stereotypes and prejudices against homosexuals, especially regarding the word "gay" being used as a term of abuse. Report by Mark Morris.
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