Joshua Cavallo, who has Maltese descent, has become the only openly gay active footballer after he came out as gay on Wednesday.

21-year-old Cavallo, who plays with Adelaide United in Australia’s A-League, made the announcement on Wednesday, saying he is “finally comfortable” to talk about his life.

“I am proud to publicly announce that I am gay,” Cavallo wrote on social media.

“It’s been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come out.

“I have been fighting my sexuality for over six years now, and I’m glad I can put that to rest.”

His decision to come out received immediate public support from his club and football authorities in Australia.

Cavallo is eligible for Maltese citizenship through his grandparents, and has told NET Television’s Replay that he would be interested in playing for Malta’s national team if the chance came.

Malta’s national team has recently delved into players eligible through descendence, with Teddy Teuma – who plays in Belgium – being a key addition to the squad in this manner and James Brown, who plays in the Scottish Premier League, expected to join up with the squad and play for the first time next month.