A collection of the best good-humoured Thomas Hitzlsperger tweets as the former Aston Villa, West Ham United and Everton midfielder reveals he is gay.

As well as a bit of faux nonchalance, Twitter was awash with supportive messages and we’ve picked out the best inoffensive Hitzlsperger jokes and tweets for you.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and Prime Minister of Match of the Day Gary Lineker were quick to announce their admiration for what the German international had done:

As an #AVFC fan, I've always admired what Thomas Hitzlsperger did on the pitch – but I admire him even more today. A brave & important move.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 8, 2014

Congratulations to Thomas Hitzlsperger on bravely being the first player to have played in the PL to 'come out' http://t.co/9boXWNpnFZ

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 8, 2014

But then…

Thomas Hitzlsperger jokes

The world of football still stunned by the news that Thomas Hitzlsperger played 52 times for Germany.

— Jonathan Liew (@jonathanliew) January 8, 2014

After Hitzlsperger tweet, plenty TL reax. Couple jokes abt ball control + pile drivers but only 1 person using term "fag" #progress

— Gabriele Marcotti (@Marcotti) January 8, 2014

You've got to admire Thomas Hitzlsperger. Can't be easy admitting that you've played for Everton!

— Yozza (@yozzah2005) January 8, 2014

Fair play to Hitzlsperger, always did love a tackle!

— Spencer Dorgan (@SpencerJDorgan) January 8, 2014

I think it's incredibly brave of Thomas Hitzlsperger to come out and admit he played for West Ham.

— Col (@Bigshirtlesscol) January 8, 2014

West Ham find a typically bad way of burying the good news about Hitzlsperger.

— Chris Oakley (@COakleyFtbl) January 8, 2014

Very brave of Thomas Hitzlsperger to come out and admit that he played for Everton

— Neil White (@urbanturfer) January 8, 2014

Hats off to Thomas Hitzlsperger for his bravery today. He's admitted that he used to play for West Ham. #Boom

— Pie and Bovril (@pieandbov) January 8, 2014

The Thomas Hitzlsperger/West Ham joke being tweeted endlessly is dead funny isn't it?

— David (@Daywales) January 8, 2014

Hitzlsperger. pic.twitter.com/FsvhIfm286

— André Villas-Boas (@SamoanBH) January 8, 2014

YOUR STOLEN HITZLSPERGER AT WEST HAM JOKE WASN'T FUNNY BEFORE YOU STOLE IT. QUIT IT, DOUCHEBAGS.

— Ant Dan (@Ant_Dan) January 8, 2014

Waiting for Hitzlsperger to pop up on this!!! pic.twitter.com/5OJU9dJiUv

— Nick J (@nrj1977) January 8, 2014

Tan has just sent me a text: "HITZLSPERGER CAME OUT GAY. CREDIT TO WEST HAM WHO CAME OUT TONIGHT AS USELESS!" #whufc

— Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (@OleGunnarDragon) January 8, 2014

Favourite part of this interview is Hitz using the term "what a gay pass". http://t.co/RlvRA6D2U2

— Mr. F (@FrankieHyland) January 8, 2014

All credit too Thomas Hitzlsperger , who today has come out and admitted he is a big fan of David Moyes…

— Dave Merrick (@davetheblue41) January 8, 2014

BREAKING: Thomas Hitzlsperger has bravely announced that he once played for West Ham.

— BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) January 8, 2014

Not sure if I've seen the "Hitzlsperger deserves credit, admitting he played for Villa and/or West Ham" tweet enough today.

— Harry Jamieson (@HarryJamieson_) January 8, 2014

BREAKING NEWS: Thomas Hitzlsperger has bravely announced that he once played for West Ham.

— Genius Football (@GeniusFootball) January 8, 2014

If I see that Hitzlsperger/coming out & admitting he played for West Ham/Villa joke one more time.

— CynicalTurtle (@CynicalTurtle) January 8, 2014