Cagliari full-back announces retirement at 29 due to 'completely damaged ligaments' after missing entire season with injury

Jankto explained that his main reason for retiring is the need to be closer to his son, whom he has not seen for many months. He also revealed that lingering pain from the torn ankle ligament that kept him out of the entire 2024/25 season has been too severe to overcome, which further contributed to his decision to quit.

Jankto said on Instagram: "I've received many messages asking if I'll continue my football career. Unfortunately, no. The reason is simple: I suffered a very serious injury (a completely damaged ligament). I tried to overcome the pain all year, but unfortunately I couldn't; it was too severe. I couldn't continue, and for that reason I decided to quit football.

"In any case, the main reason was my son, whom I haven't seen for many months and whom I want to be close to in Prague. I decided to change my life because we have only one family. I chose to stay in Prague and dedicate my entire experience to the children, including my son."

Jankto came through the Udinese academy and was promoted to the first team by Giuseppe Iachini. After two impressive seasons at the Friuli, where he registered nine goals and nine assists in 65 appearances, Sampdoria signed him. His spell at the Marassi proved underwhelming, leading to a move to Getafe. In the 2023-24 season, Claudio Ranieri, who had previously coached him at Sampdoria, brought him back to Sardinia with Cagliari.

Jankto now hopes his decision proves to be the right one and, after some time away from the game, he may look to return to football in the future, possibly as a pundit or a coach.

Additional reporting by Leonardo Gualano.