President Barack Obama praised gay footballer Robbie Rogers for coming out and inspiring people around the world, saying “we are very proud of you”.

Openly gay Rogers, who came out in February 2013 and quit football soon thereafter, has now joined other sports figures to condemn the fact that Russia and Qatar have been allowed to host the World Cup.

Soon after retiring, Rogers decided to come out of retirement and join US team LA Galaxy.

Speaking at a ceremony at the White House this week, President Obama congratulated Rogers and his teammates for winning the Western Conference and the MLS Cup last season.

Obama said, “I want to recognise what Robbie Rogers of the Galaxy has done for a lot of people by blazing a trail as one of professional sports’ first openly gay players.”

“My guess is that as an athlete Robbie wants to win first and foremost, that’s what competition is all about. But Robbie, you’ve also inspired a whole lot of folks here and around the world, and we are very proud of you.”