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LOS ANGELES -- Until about a month ago, Robbie Rogers had no interest in being one of the highest-profile openly gay athletes in the world. Rogers didnt want the pressure or attention, and he was weary of soccer itself. After coming out and simultaneously retiring in February, the former MLS champion and U.S. national team player planned to devote himself to fashion school and family, not soccer or social change. Rogers told The Associated Press he changed his mind when he realized how much he still loved his sport -- and how much good he could do by playing it instead of standing on the sideline. "I dont know what I was so afraid of," Rogers said. "Its been such a positive experience for me. The one thing Ive learned from all of this is being gay is not that big of a deal to people." Rogers joined the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer on Saturday, agreeing to a multiyear contract in another step by openly gay athletes in professional sports. The 26-year-old Rogers recently thought he would never pull on another jersey, imagining nonstop scrutiny and criticism. His concerns were eased by the strong support he received from family, fans and players, including Galaxy star Landon Donovan. Now Rogers is eager to be more than a footnote. He is determined to thrive as the leagues first openly gay player. "People are just really growing and accepting and loving," Rogers said. "Those other things are just not that important to them. I think as the younger get older and the generations come and go, I think times are just becoming more accepting." The two-time defending champion Galaxy traded top scorer Mike Magee to acquire Rogers, an MLS veteran who spent the last two seasons in England. He trained with the Galaxy in recent weeks and hoped to continue his career in his native Southern California. The Galaxy made it happen by giving up the popular Magee in a trade with the Chicago Fire, who held Rogers MLS rights. "I want to get back to soccer, which is what I love," Rogers said. "I get to do something I love, and I get to help people and be a positive role model. Im really excited to set a great example for other kids that are going through the same thing I went through. Its a perfect world for me, a perfect world." Coach Bruce Arena thinks Rogers already is in decent shape despite 18 months with little match experience. Arena figures Rogers could be a strong contributor to the Galaxy by July, but he could play in any upcoming match. "Certainly the league, and I think the fans, are going to be receptive in a real positive way," Arena told the AP. "But were not in this to pioneer social issues. Were trying to win games as a team, and were trying to produce the best team we can. Robbie has shown us that he has the potential to still be a real good player in our league, and thats what were hopeful of." Rogers is mindful of the place hell take in the culture when he steps on the field this summer, but the skilled, speedy winger is even more excited to contend for MLS titles and another chance to play the U.S. national team -- a stark contrast from his plans earlier this year when he was accepted to the menswear program at the London College of Fashion. "I had a lot of fear to come back to the game," Rogers said, remembering countless instances of homophobia everywhere from the stands to locker rooms. "I was just afraid I was putting myself in an environment that in the past had affected my mental health because I always felt like an outcast. I felt that I couldnt be myself." "But its been amazing," he added. "Its been normal, just as it should be. Im a soccer player. I happen to be gay, but Im a professional soccer player, and I have been since I was 18, 19. ... Im just really excited to go back to the game, and excited to deal with these stupid stereotypes that are out there with athletes and the gay community, just a bunch of different things." Hes certainly not alone in this movement. NBA veteran Jason Collins came out late last month, and Rogers spoke with Collins on the day of the centres announcement. U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who plays for Lyon in France, came out last year before the London Olympics. Shes expected to join the Seattle team of the new National Womens Soccer League in mid-June. Brittney Griner, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, and Seimone Augustus of the Minnesota Lynx are among that leagues openly gay players. Sheryl Swoopes, a retired WNBA All-Star and current college coach, came out in 2005 during her playing days. But any day now, Rogers is likely to become the first openly gay male athlete to play in North Americas biggest professional leagues, a fact thats still a bit surprising to both Rogers and Collins. "I would have thought more athletes would have taken that step, I guess," Rogers said. "People have seen how accepting everyone has been of Jasons and my story. I think its going to take just more time and more athletes coming out. Its all about seeing that its not something to be afraid of. Its not going to hurt your career." While MLS has a fraction of the NBAs popularity, Rogers has the potential to be more influential than Collins or featherweight boxer Orlando Cruz, who has won two fights since coming out last year. Collins is a journeyman basketball player without a contract for next season, while Rogers is an accomplished international soccer player in his prime. Rogers won an NCAA title at Maryland in 2005 and an MLS title with Columbus in 2008 while making the all-league first team. He has played sparingly over the past two years for English clubs Leeds and Stevenage after leaving the Crew in December 2011. But his workouts at the Galaxys training complex in Carson, Calif., were enticing enough, even if Rogers acknowledged hes "definitely a bit rusty right now." The Galaxy will work on getting Rogers back into top form, and theyll also support him in his conspicuous new role. "Its going to take him a little time," said Arena, also the Galaxys general manager. "Hes got to adjust to the Galaxy. Hes got to get himself in better form with the ball and his fitness. That takes time for any player, as weve witnessed with Landon over the last six to eight weeks. Its going to take some time. We hope Robbie can turn the corner quickly." Rogers is joining his leagues highest-profile team, with Donovan and Irish captain Robbie Keane leading a roster expected to contend for a third straight championship. After six years as David Beckhams home before the English midfielders departure last December, the Galaxy know all about the spotlight that will be cast on Rogers. "Theres obviously going to be attention, and I think that we are no stranger to that," Galaxy President Chris Klein told the AP. "I think the biggest piece of this is the maturity of Robbie, and were quite confident in that. Were there to stand behind him as an organization. He has shown to be a guy that has a tremendous amount of character and integrity, and I think hes going to fit our organization really well." The deal is a risk for the Galaxy, who traded a beloved fan favourite for Rogers. Magee, a Chicago native, has won two titles and scored eight post-season goals in four years with the Galaxy, and he leads the club with six goals this season. But Los Angeles is enticed by the potential of Rogers, who has played 18 times for the U.S. national team, scoring two goals. He dreams of playing for the American team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but knows it wont happen unless he excels with the Galaxy. Rogers immediately felt comfortable training with the Galaxy and resuming his friendship with Donovan, meeting the U.S. national team star for coffee. Hes also confident his attacking game on the wing can help the Galaxy, who havent replaced Beckhams bending passes from the flank this season. "Theyve been very accepting to me and very cool with me," Rogers said. "Im just excited to get on the road with these guys and continue the season." Aware that a whirlwind of attention is approaching, Rogers plans to lean on his faith. He also hopes his decision to use soccer as a platform for tolerance and acceptance leads more gay athletes to come out, even while his primary focus is on the game he has loved since his youth. "Youre just going to be treated the same as any other athlete," he said. "Its going to take time, but its inevitable that the time will come when youre solely judged on your performance. Thats going to happen. You cant put a time frame on it, but I think its in the near future because I really have felt a shift in our society and acceptance in our sports world. I honestly think in the next few years, its not going to be an issue."Derek Carrier Jersey . "No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil. 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There was no hesitation from the 40th-ranked Pospisil, from Vernon, B.C., who admitted that he cut back on his training sessions over the last few days to conserve energy as the long ATP season finishes next week at the Paris Masters.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed watching Europe win the Ryder Cup four years ago is one of his favourite sporting memories.The biennial golf tournament between Europe and the United States started on Friday in Minnesotas Hazeltine National Golf Club.Guardiola is a big golf fan and is hoping to get the opportunity to watch some of this years competition as he prepares City for Sundays Premier League clash with Tottenham.But the last time the tournament was in the U.S, Guardiola was on a 12-month sabbatical from management and was invited to watch the game by fellow Spaniard and Europe captain Jose-Maria Olazabal.It turned out to be the Miracle of Medinah as Europe won eight of 12 singles matches on the final day of action to overturn the United States four-point lead.Guardiola told a news conference: Believe me, I was a football player, I was so lucky, because it was an amazing experience, and as a coach the same. We won prizes as football players, and as a coach, but always you remember not the prrizes when you finish, you remember the time you spend, you have fun in the locker room with the guys, and how many times you laugh.ddddddddddddI dont think I can compare the experience that I lived in Medinah in the Ryder Cup. I think it was the highest experience as a sports guy, I ever lived. I was so lucky that Olazabal invited all my family there.The last round we were 10 points down, on the ropes, and following all the players, seeing the putting from two or three metres, the chipping, the putting, then seeing the crowd in the USA how step by step -- nine, eight, seven, six,again this marvellous event.I am a big fan of goeys[/url] ' ' '