Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has been discussing how he has dealt with his critics in recent times.
Speaking to the Times, the young Spaniard opened up on the degree of criticism that he has received, both in a footballing environment and on social media from fans.
Some of it can get very abusive. Most of the abuse is online, but you hear it in the stadium, too. People have called me “lesbian” for growing my hair. There are other kinds of homophobic insults. I have learnt to grow a thick skin but it can affect you. Every now and again, you get a bit of self-doubt.
Bellerin has enjoyed an involved role in the Arsenal first-team since Unai Emery’s arrival at the club this summer. The right-back has performed well going forward but has come in for criticism for some arguably shaky defensive showings.
Nevertheless, Bellerin has been explaining why he feels the level of abuse he has received is unnecessary, highlighting how the criticism has affected him and his performance levels.
You act a little differently and you become a target. There is pressure to conform. This is very dangerous. In life, you should be allowed to express yourself. People are happier like this.
The worst was a year and a half ago. A lot of people say nice things but it is natural to focus on the bad. For a while, I deleted the apps. Later, I decided to go back on. Twitter is a great source of information. Every day I am learning to deal with abuse in a better way.
The 23-year-old appears to have emerged as Emery’s first-choice option on the right-hand side of the defence, with Stephan Lichtsteiner being forced to settle for a deputy role at this early stage of his career at the Emirates.
Bellerin will hope to continue performing strongly for Arsenal, proving his critics wrong.
