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Czech football star Jakub Jankto: I am gay and I don't want to hide anymore!

Czech football star Jakub Jankto: I am gay and I don't want to hide

Czech footballer Jakub Jankto has become the first player to declare that he is gay.

"Like everyone else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses. I have a family, I have my friends. I have a job, which for years I have been doing as well as possible, with seriousness, professionalism and passion. Like everyone else, I want to live my life in freedom without fear, without prejudice, without violence, but with love. I'm gay and I don't want to hide anymore," Jankto said in a video published Monday on social networks.

The 27-year-old midfielder is currently on loan at Sparta Prague from Spanish club Getafe.

The Czech-based team posted a statement in support of the player, writing: "Jakub Jankto spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club's management, coach and players some time ago. You have our support. Live your life Jakub. Nothing else matters.”