Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo says he’s stronger than the “legions of imbeciles” who attack him on social media.
The midfielder has been heavily criticised by Rossoneri fans in recent times, with some even celebrating his cruciate ligament injury on Italy duty, as it means he cannot play for his club.
In addition, fans at Juventus Stadium whistled the Azzurri star when he was taken off against Germany.
Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo says he’s stronger than the “legions of imbeciles” who attack him on social media.
The midfielder has been heavily criticised by Rossoneri fans in recent times, with some even celebrating his cruciate ligament injury on Italy duty, as it means he cannot play for his club.
In addition, fans at Juventus Stadium whistled the Azzurri star when he was taken off against Germany.
“Whistling someone who goes off on a stretcher is scandalous, for anyone with a minimum of sensibility,” Montolivo told La Repubblica.
“And social media has, as Umberto Eco said, given voice to legions of imbeciles. The internet is a world without rules, it can be useful but you need to have some common sense.
“I was tempted to respond on Facebook. I respect critics, but in recent times it’s been so exaggerated on social media, with no filters.
“I received a lot of messages of support from teammates, opponents and athletes from other sports.
“The most important ones where [Sergio] Parisse and [Luigi] Datome, captains of the national rugby and basketball teams.
“Also [Gianluigi] Buffon, he wasn’t afraid to take a strong position, even probably – in part – against fans of his own team.”
Montolivo also criticised Spain and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos for the challenge which led to his injury.
“It wasn’t a dangerous ball, there was no need to come in so hard. Ramos was doing a classic intimidatory action. The pain was crazy.
“While getting the scan I was hoping professor Castellacci would tell me it was nothing, but no: ruptured cruciate ligament.
“I’m proud of my career, now I only think about healing. But at 31 I don’t want the last image of me in an Italy shirt to be being stretchered off at Juventus Stadium.”