Bremen – Werder Bremens Midfielder Jens Stage (26) has publicly expressed his support for Czech footballer Jakub Jankto (27) after his coming out.
Jens Stage (26): “It shouldn’t be a problem to say what sexuality you have.” © Tom Weller/dpa
“It’s important for football that we show that it doesn’t matter who we love, where and when. It’s just love, and it’s for everyone,” Stage said in a media session on Tuesday.
Jankto is a good role model for anyone in a similar situation, although of course he knows that this step “can be difficult”.
Stage emphasized: “It shouldn’t be a problem to say what sexuality you have.” Now he is happy “that someone dares and is strong enough to come out.” He is sure that his Bremen teammates share his view.
Bundesliga professional addresses taboo topic: “big mental problems”
The 27-year-old Jankto from Sparta Prague became the first active player in the top Czech football league to make his homosexuality public on Monday.
“I’m gay and I don’t want to hide anymore,” he said in a video posted to social media. This makes him only the third active football professional who has come out publicly.
In the Bundesliga there has never been such a case.