Dec 28, 2023 10:37 PM
"I have achieved what I wanted to": Scotland's first gay footballer Zander Murray to retire
https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/i-have-a...to-retire/
INTRO: Zander Murray has announced his retirement from football. Back in September 2022, the talented striker made history as the first Scottish senior football player to come out as gay.
“First, it feels like the weight of the world is now off my shoulders… It can be difficult, and you can feel very alone,” he said via the club’s website.
Since coming out, Murray has continued to make waves in the sports world with his LGBTQIA+ activism and dynamic plays on the field. However, on 26 December, the 32-year-old shocked fans when he announced that he would be stepping away from football.
“The big thing is, it’s my final season as a footballer. I think you just know when your time is up, and that’s where I’m at. You just know when the right time is,” he revealed during a recent interview with the BBC. “I have achieved what I wanted to. I wanted to play in the league, and I have done that. And I feel with what is happening off the pitch for me, I don’t want to go on any further.”
11 months before his bittersweet announcement, Murray made LGBTQIA+ history after signing with the Scottish Professional Football League’s (SPFL) Bonnyrigg Rose.
By joining the League Two club, Murray became the first openly gay player in the SPFL since Justin Fashanu played for Airdrie and Hearts in the 90s.
After a few months with Bonnyrigg Rose, the beloved talent returned to his previous team, Gala Fairydean Rovers FC, in the fall. In his aforementioned interview with BBC, Murray expressed his gratitude for being able to finish his football career with Gala Fairydean... (MORE - details)
https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/i-have-a...to-retire/
INTRO: Zander Murray has announced his retirement from football. Back in September 2022, the talented striker made history as the first Scottish senior football player to come out as gay.
“First, it feels like the weight of the world is now off my shoulders… It can be difficult, and you can feel very alone,” he said via the club’s website.
Since coming out, Murray has continued to make waves in the sports world with his LGBTQIA+ activism and dynamic plays on the field. However, on 26 December, the 32-year-old shocked fans when he announced that he would be stepping away from football.
“The big thing is, it’s my final season as a footballer. I think you just know when your time is up, and that’s where I’m at. You just know when the right time is,” he revealed during a recent interview with the BBC. “I have achieved what I wanted to. I wanted to play in the league, and I have done that. And I feel with what is happening off the pitch for me, I don’t want to go on any further.”
11 months before his bittersweet announcement, Murray made LGBTQIA+ history after signing with the Scottish Professional Football League’s (SPFL) Bonnyrigg Rose.
By joining the League Two club, Murray became the first openly gay player in the SPFL since Justin Fashanu played for Airdrie and Hearts in the 90s.
After a few months with Bonnyrigg Rose, the beloved talent returned to his previous team, Gala Fairydean Rovers FC, in the fall. In his aforementioned interview with BBC, Murray expressed his gratitude for being able to finish his football career with Gala Fairydean... (MORE - details)