Jakarta –
Midfielder Czech Republic national team Jakub Jankto reveal himself as gay. He admits that he doesn’t want to hide his preferences anymore.
Jakub Jankto is currently playing at Sparta Prague, on loan from Getafe. He announced himself as gay via social media on Monday (13/2/2023).
“Like anyone else, I have strengths, I have weaknesses, I have family, I have friends. I have a job that I have done as well as I could for many years seriously, with professionalism and passion,” he said.
“Like other people, I also want to live with freedom without fear, without prejudice, without violence but with love. I am a homosexual and I don’t want to hide myself,” Jankto added in his statement.
Jankto is one of a handful of male professional footballers who has come out as gay. Last year Blackpool’s Jake Daniels became the first active professional player to come out as gay in Britain in more than 30 years.
Prior to Daniels, the last professional player in England to reveal himself as gay while still active was Justin Fashanu. Prior to Jankto, only one professional player in world football’s top division had admitted to being gay, namely Adelaide United member Josh Cavallo.
“Other matters concern his private life. No further comment, no further questions,” said Sparta Prague in a statement, responding to Jankto’s announcement.
“You have our support. Live your life, Jakub.”
Jankto started his professional career at Udinese, then crossed paths in Italy with Ascoli and Sampdoria, before moving to Spain and strengthening Getafe. He has 45 caps in the Czech Republic national team.
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(raw/ran)
