The forward of the selection of Spain Alvaro Morata revealed that his family has received “threats and insults” from fans for his performances at Euro 2020.
The Juventus striker had a difficult start to the tournament and was whistled by a section of the home crowd at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium after missing an opportunity in Spain’s first 0-0 draw with Sweden.
Morata scored the only goal in the 1-1 draw with Poland, before missing another chance after his attacking partner’s penalty Gerard Moreno hit the post, and then failed to score in a 5-0 win over Slovakia on Wednesday.
“I understand that they criticize me for not scoring goals. I am the first to know and accept it,” Morata told Cadena COPE on Thursday. “I would like people to put themselves in a position to see what it is like to receive threats and insults to their family, ‘I hope your children die’, [esta semana] I had to put my phone away.
“[Los memes] They don’t bother me, but what bothers me is what my wife has to go through, “he added.” My children go to Seville with their father’s name on their shirt. Yes [les han dicho cosas]. I understand the criticism for not doing my job well. But there is a limit. “
Spain will play Croatia on Monday in Copenhagen in the round of 16. Coach Luis Enrique has constantly defended Morata, vowing to stay with him. The 28-year-old has scored 20 goals for Spain in 43 appearances.
Luis Enrique favorably compared the forward’s scoring record to that of many of his contemporaries before the Poland game. He said: “Morata and 10 more” in support of his forward.
Morata responded by scoring and celebrated by running to celebrate with the coach.
“[Yo] I didn’t sleep for nine hours after the game [de Polonia]”Morata said.” He was angry because he had a chance and Spain couldn’t win.
“I wish people would put themselves in other people’s position. People whistle at me because that’s what they hear. Others incite it.”
Morata entered Euro 2020 already under pressure after some fans chanted: “Morata, how bad you are”, after a missed opportunity during Spain’s last pre-tournament friendly, a 0-0 draw with Portugal at the Wanda stadium. Metropolitan of Atlético de Madrid.
The forward has previously said that he “stopped enjoying football” and “had a bad time” at Chelsea from 2017 to 2019.
Juventus confirmed earlier this month that Morata will spend another season on loan from Atlético next year, after scoring 11 goals in Serie A last season.