Czech international Jakub Jankto comes out as gay

Czech Republic international Jakub Jankto has publicly come out as gay, admitting he no longer ‘wants to hide’.

The 27-year-old is currently on loan with Sparta Prague after leaving Spanish side Getafe in the summer and has racked up 45 caps for his country, including at Euro 2020 and last summer’s Nations League fixtures.

“Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have my friends,” Jankto said on Twitter.

“I have a job that I have been doing as best as I can for years with seriousness, with professionalism and passion.”

He added: “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.”

Jankto is the second male top-flight player to come out as gay following Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo, who confirmed his sexuality in October.

A brief statement from Sparta Prague confirmed that Jankto had spoken about his sexuality with teammates and officials ‘some time ago’.

“No further comment. No further questions,” the club wrote.

“You have our support. Live your life, Jakub.”