Spain forward Alvaro Morata revealed he ‘received threats and insults’ towards him and his family after the match against Poland at Euro 2020. ‘I went nine hours without sleep’.
The Juventus striker already responded to criticism and urged anyone struggling with mental health to seek help after the 0-0 draw with Sweden, but the difficulties continued for the former Chelsea striker.
He is currently preparing for the last 16 match against Croatia at the European Championship, but admitted his performances with La Roja has not been good enough this summer.
“I’m not doing my job well,” he told the Spanish radio station Cope.
The Atletico Madrid loanee scored one goal, but made many mistakes in front of goal, including one from the penalty spot against Slovakia.
The 28-year-old has played all three games in the group stage and has become the scapegoat of the mixed results during the competition.
Spain drew with Sweden and Poland, before beating Slovakia 5-0 in the final game to qualify for the knockout stages.
Morata spoke about his experience during the tournament and revealed it was particularly bad after the Poland match.
“I went nine hours without sleep after Poland,” Morata said. “I have received threats, insults to the family, saying ‘we hope your children will die’…
“But I’m fine, maybe a few years ago I would have been much worse. Maybe I didn’t do my job as I should.
“I understand that you criticise me for not scoring, but people should put themselves in my place, understand what it means to receive threats, to tell you that your children must die.
“When some tragedy happens, they’ll say he was a good guy.”
Morata pointed out that he goes to see the national team’s therapist and that he puts his phone away.
“When I arrive at the hotel, I put my phone away, but the thing that bothers me is that they say these things to my wife and children at the stadium,” he continued, before explaining that the therapist makes him feel better.
“It helps us a lot. It’s great to have someone who listens to you whenever you need them,” Morata continued. “My teammates make fun of me for this, but luckily I can talk about it with him.”