Soccer Star Proud of Gay Rumor

Soccer star Freddie Ljungberg is proud of swirling rumors calling him gay, according to an interview in The New York Times Magazine.

"There's been a gay rumor for a long time," said Ljungberg in the article. "I don't mind at all. I am proud of that."

Ljungberg, who plays for the Seattle Sounders, says he thinks rumors about his sexual orientation are a "compliment," and he refuses to acknowledge his sexuality when reporters ask.

The athlete, who loves fashion, says gay people have "amazing style."

Soccer fans may remember Ljungberg for his stint as a player for London's Arsenal Football Club, but he left European soccer in 2008. He also told Out that he felt "honored" that Calvin Klein recruited him to be the face of its underwear line.

"Mostly, I was honored to be asked by Calvin Klein. I was worried about how being on a billboard in Times Square for several months would affect my image. But the impact has been overwhelmingly positive. The most unusual response is probably that people are always asking me to sign their underwear for them."