“In general I don’t like ostentations,” Abodi told Radio 24 when asked about the possibility Jankto will move to promoted Serie A side Cagliari.
“But individual choices should be respected.”
Several opposition politicians expressed indignation at the comments.
“Minister Abodi calls Jankto coming out an ostentation,” Rachele Scarpa, a lawmaker for the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), said.
“It’s a trashy attack that shows how many limitations homosexuals have to overcome in the world of sport and elsewhere.
“Dear minister, it is necessary to show respect for the courage of what Jankto decided to do.”
Jankto, 27, is set to return to the Serie A and will be the first openly gay footballer in the league.
A report by daily news provider Corriere Della Serra, claims Cagliari has successfully negotiated the signing of Jankto from La Liga side, Getafe.
He got his break in senior professional soccer with Ascoli in Serie B in the 2015/16 season.
He went on to play for Udinese and Sampdoria in Serie A and had a stint at Sparta Prague last season, on loan from Getafe.
The highly regarded midfielder revealed his homosexuality last season and received widespread support from the football universe.
Jankto is set to play under the guidance of his former coach Claudio Ranieri, who says he is looking forward to coaching him again.
ANSA
