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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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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Round
1Sparta Prague321076294783
2Slavia PragueSlavia Prague321070234779
3Viktoria PlzenPlzen320174383668
4Mlada Boleslav31025150147
5Banik OstravaBanik Ostrava30034947245
6FC SlovackoSlovacko31024448-444
Relegation Round
1FK Baumit JablonecJablonec32104248-637
2Bohemians 190530123246-1436
3Pardubice32013447-1334
4MFK Karvina31113758-2129
5Ceske Budejovice31113967-2828
6FC Fastav ZlinZlin30213966-2727
 
Regular Season
1Sparta Prague30244270264476
2Slavia PragueSlavia Prague30226262233972
3Viktoria PlzenPlzen30195667333462
4Banik OstravaBanik Ostrava30136114839945
5Mlada Boleslav30128105046444
6FC SlovackoSlovacko30118113940-141
7Slovan LiberecSlovan Liberec301010104646040
8Sigma OlomoucOlomouc30107134045-537
9Hradec Kralove30910113238-637
10Teplice3099123140-936
11Bohemians 190530811112940-1135
12FK Baumit JablonecJablonec30612123545-1030
13Pardubice3077162942-1328
14MFK Karvina3067173052-2225
15FC Fastav ZlinZlin30510153661-2525
16Ceske Budejovice3066183462-2824


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