Thierry Henry has spoken out in support of players who may be concerned about coming out as gay in the world of football.

Football players and other professional sportsmen are often reluctant to come out as gay, fearing that a stigma still exists within the sporting world. However, this is changing as an increasing number of stars decide to go public - a move which Henry supports.

"I think it's great, I think it's great for the game, we're going forward, it's great for anyone, for any human being," Henry told Sky News.

"If you are confident enough to come and say it and then live with it and embrace it, then do it."

The Arsenal legend added that he would not treat a gay team-mate any differently: "I can't talk for everyone, but if I was in a dressing room, that guy would still have been my team-mate, and I would still give him the ball, I will still see him the same way, I would still go out with him.We're all human beings at the end of the day, so it doesn't really bother me."

Henry, 38, emphasised that society is evolving, and the sporting world needs to keep up with that change.

"Whatever you believe in, whatever you do, it is not a problem. It should be OK by now, we are living in a different time, a different world and football should accept that," he said.