First Out Footballer Justin Fashanu's Life Story Is Coming to TV

First out footballer Justin Fashanu's life story is coming to TV in a dramatization, reported BBC.

Born in east London, Fashanu faced many challenges as a Black, gay, Brit playing a sport that is still dogged by homophobia. The ITV series will reportedly cover his coming out journey up to his untimely death.

Fashanu was only 13 when he was recruited by a talent scout while playing for his school team, and then he was a signed professional footballer at 17.

After winning the BBC Goal of the Season in 1980 for a magnificent strike against Liverpool at Carrow Road, Fashanu went on to become the first Black footballer to make earn a £1 million-contract in the sport.

But soon Fashanu's personal life began to seep into his professional career. He was reportedly confronted by manager Brian Clough over his visits to gay clubs.

After bouncing around a few sports clubs as a player, Fashanu suffered a knee injury that would end his career, during which he was constantly a target of abuse and racist chants from the crowd.

Fashanu eventually retired in the late 1990s and was later found dead in a lock-up garage at 37 in 1998, with many believing he committed suicide due to harassment and taunts about his sexuality.

His heroic status is marred by tragedy. His blossoming career fizzled out at a young age, he was taunted for his sexuality and at the time of his suicide he had been recently questioned by police over an alleged sex assault in the US.

Written by Bafta-nominated writer and actor Kwame Kwei-Armah, the film "Fash" will chart the football's stars life from childhood to superstardom.

"I feel privileged to play a part in bringing it to the screen." Kwei-Armah said: "I grew up watching the Fashanu brothers. I was fascinated by them. Inspired by them.