The Los Angeles Galaxy on Thursday
announced that it had signed defender Robbie Rogers to a multi-year
contract extension.
Rogers is Major League Soccer's (MLS)
first openly gay player.
“Thrilled to have re-signed with
@LAGalaxy,” Rogers tweeted to his more than 226,000 followers.
“Thank you for your support, patience and belief in my abilities.
We're not done yet. #MLSCup.”
Bruce Arena, the team's head coach and
general manager, reacted
in a statement: “We are excited that Robbie will remain a part
of our organization going forward. He has proven to be a dynamic
player in our League and an integral part of our success this year.
We look forward to his continued contributions in the years to come.”
Last year, Rogers, 27, announced that
he's gay and was retiring from professional soccer. But within
months – after a feared backlash failed to materialize – Rogers
returned to the sport, joining the LA Galaxy.
Rogers' story is the inspiration
behind an upcoming television sitcom, Men In Shorts.