Jakub Jankto: The Czech footballer is the primary lively worldwide male participant to announce that he’s homosexual

(CNN) Czech soccer star Jakub Jankto has turn into the primary lively worldwide male participant to announce that he’s homosexual.

“Like everybody else, I’ve my strengths, I’ve my weaknesses; I’ve a household, I’ve my mates,” Jankto mentioned in a single Video printed on social media on Monday.

“I’ve a job that I’ve been doing as finest I can for years, with seriousness, professionalism and keenness. Like everybody else, I wish to reside my life in freedom, with out worry, with out prejudice, with out violence, however with love.

“I’m homosexual and I don’t wish to disguise anymore.”

The 27-year-old midfielder is at the moment on mortgage at Sparta Prague from Spanish membership Getafe.

The Czech staff launched a press release in assist of the participant, writing: “Jakub Jankto spoke brazenly about his sexual orientation with the membership’s administration, coach and teammates a while in the past.

“No additional feedback. No extra questions. you’ve gotten our assist Stay your life, Jakub.

Jankto dribbles the ball throughout the Czech Republic’s UEFA Nations League sport in opposition to Switzerland final 12 months.

As an indication of assist, Getafe wrote: “Our utmost respect and unconditional assist for our footballer Jakub Jankto.”

Jankto has made 45 appearances for his nation since his debut in 2017, scoring 4 objectives.

Soccer associations additionally expressed their assist for Jankto. UEFA, the governing physique of European soccer, wrote: “Nicely finished Jakub. You’re a true inspiration and European soccer is with you!”

Fifpro, the worldwide avid gamers union, tweeted: “Stay your life Jakub. Proud.”

Alongside Australian participant Josh Cavallo, Jankto is the one brazenly homosexual male top-flight footballer on this planet. Jake Daniels, an 18-year-old ahead for Blackpool in England’s second division, got here out in Might 2022.

Thomas Hitzlsperger, a midfielder who performed 52 occasions for Germany, got here again after retiring.

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