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Czech midfielder Jakub Jankto comes out as gay

Czech midfielder Jakub Jankto comes out as gay
© Reuters
Czech Republic midfielder Jakub Jankto reveals that he is gay, saying that he wants to "live [his] life in freedom".

Czech Republic midfielder Jakub Jankto has revealed that he is gay, saying that he wants to "live [his] life in freedom".

In doing so, the 27-year-old becomes one of the highest profile male footballers to come out during their playing career.

Jankto plies his club trade for Sparta Prague, on loan from Getafe, and has earned 45 caps for his national side.

In a video on social media, he said: "Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have my friends.

"I have a job that I have been doing as best as I can for years with seriousness, with 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."

Sparta said in a statement: "Jakub Jankto spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club's management, coach and teammates some time ago.

"Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments or questions.

"You have our support. Live your life, Jacob. Nothing else matters."

During his career, Jankto has also played for Italian sides Sampdoria, Udinese and Ascoli.

Last year, 18-year-old Blackpool forward Jake Daniels became the first out male professional footballer in the UK in 30 years, while Jankto is now the first current male international player to have come out.

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Written by
Neil Wilkes

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Slavia PragueSlavia Prague1916214173450
2Viktoria PlzenPlzen19134238152343
3Sparta Prague19114435221337
4Banik OstravaBanik Ostrava19113532201236
5FK Baumit JablonecJablonec1993731161530
6Mlada Boleslav197753122928
7Sigma OlomoucOlomouc197572830-226
8Hradec Kralove197481717025
9FC SlovackoSlovacko196761826-825
10Slovan LiberecSlovan Liberec196672822624
11MFK Karvina196582332-923
12Bohemians 1905195772430-622
13Teplice1963102331-821
14Pardubice1936101726-915
15Dukla Prague1933131536-2112
16Ceske Budejovice190316756-493


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