Jakub JanktoCzech football player “Cagliari” of the Italian Serie A, who declared himself homosexual in February, assured that Football is still ‘a bit homophobic’but openness to the world helped him play without hiding or being afraid.
Yanktoplayed half a season in Getafe, became the first professional footballer and national team player, Czech Republic, in declare yourself gay.
In an interview for BBC stated:
I was 13 or 14 years old when I realized something different. When you’re a kid, you don’t think about it that much, but when I tried to have my first relationship with a girl, it wasn’t the same as with a boy. Then I started playing professional football and it’s not considered normal, football is still a bit homophobic I think.
“Now I say I’m gay and smile.”
Jakub Jankto (@jakubjanktojr) went down in history as the first male national team player to take the field during the game.
Now the Czech star tells us about that decision and what happened next.
Please look. You won’t regret it.@BBCSport | #BBCFootball | 🌈 pic.twitter.com/aOfFEThz31
— Jack Murley (@jack_murley) October 18, 2023
And the Czech team added:
I remember when I was 18 or 19 years old, I was in the locker room with other boys and I didn’t want to open my WhatsApp messages because I was afraid that someone would see a message or photo from another man.
In addition to Getafe and Cagliari, G.Ankto passed through Sparta Prague, Udinese, Sampdoria and Ascoli, Being in The Czech national team played 45 games and scored four goals.
“I wasn’t scared when I did it.” Yankto recalled his statement made in February.
It was a very important moment for me, but six or seven months later I can’t say it was a mistake. If I could do it again, I would do it because it helped me and a lot of people. It was a very important moment for all the players and many wrote to me to thank me.
And he added:
I think it set a very positive example for everyone and now I’m really glad that I can play without hiding or being afraid. I just want to carry on as if nothing happened, and that’s a very good thing.
(according to information from EFE)
Source: Aristegui Noticias
I’m George Gonzalez, a professional journalist and author at The Nation View. With more than 5 years of experience in the field, I specialize in covering sports news for various print media outlets. My passion for writing has enabled me to craft stories that capture the attention of readers all over the world.
