Former Serie A star Jakub Jankto has taken to social media to announce that he is gay, adding that “I no longer want to hide myself.”
Jankto, who now plays for Czech side Sparta Prague, spent time with Udinese and Sampdoria in Italy, before moving to Getafe and eventually ending up in the Czech capital in search of additional game time.
The 27-year-old, who has 45 caps for his country, took to Twitter to announce his position.
“Hi, I’m Jakub Jankto,” he began. “Like everybody else, I have my strengths. I have my weaknesses. I have a family. I have my friends. I have a job which I have been doing it as best as I can, for years, with seriousness, professionalism and passion.
“Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom. Without fears. Without prejudice. Without violence. BUT with love.”I am homosexual and I no longer want to hide myself.”
He becomes the second men’s player to come out, with Australia’s Josh Cavallo came out in what was considered a watershed moment.
“Jakub spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club some time ago. Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jacob. Nothing else matters.”
Meanwhile, the Premier League added “We’re with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone.”
