An international footballer has publicly announced that he is gay, becoming the first active internationally-capped player to do so.
Klopp Reacts To Footballer Coming Out As Gay
On Monday, Czech Republic and Sparta Prague winger Jakub Jankto became the first active international footballer to come out as gay.
Speaking in a video he released on social media, the 27-year-old said he no longer wants to hide who he truly is.
"Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses; I have a family, I have my friends," he said, according to CNN.
"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."
Jankto, who is on loan at Sparta from Spanish side Getafe, has received an outpouring of positive messages since coming out, with his parent club taking to social media to write: "Our maximum respect and unconditional support for our footballer, Jakub Jankto."
Pique's Message For Footballer Who Comes Out As Gay
Sparta, meanwhile, said the player had spoken to the club and his teammates a while ago about his sexual identity and that he had their full support.
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