Chelsea duo Pernille Harder and Magda Eriksson have offered support to members of the LGBT community who are struggling to open up about their sexuality.

Harder and Eriksson are in a relationship and have been Blues team-mates since September when Denmark international Harder joined from Wolfsburg for a reported record fee for a female footballer.

On the field, the pair have helped Chelsea to the top of the Women’s Super League.

And after both played in Sunday’s 5-0 win at Bristol City, they opened their Twitter direct messages and encouraged people struggling with their sexuality to get in touch.

Harder wrote: “I’m lucky to have a family who was nothing but happy for me when I came out 7 years ago.

“I know a lot of people are struggling to tell their friends and families they are gay, which must be the worst feeling I can imagine.

“To come out should feel natural to anybody and likewise be accepted by everyone. For the next hours, @MagdaEricsson and I will open our dm’s for anyone who struggles to come out, want to know about our experiences or just look for a good advice on Valentine’s day”.

Sweden international Eriksson added: “I’m so lucky to have a relationship with the woman I love but I know this isn’t the case for everyone, especially in these times.

“In the LGBT community these problems can feel even worse. So, for the next hours, @PernilleMHarder & I will open our DMs for anyone who wants to chat.”