Russo reflects on the mental toll of online abuse as she prepares for Euros campaign
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Alessia Russo has revealed she no longer uses social media during major tournaments after admitting she was previously “sucked into” reading abusive comments that affected her focus and wellbeing.
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The Arsenal and England striker, who is preparing for next month’s UEFA Women’s European Championship in Switzerland, spoke candidly about the psychological cost of exposure to online criticism, calling it “really damaging” and urging fellow athletes to protect themselves from it.
“I think every player might have a different story about that side of the game, but it’s definitely one that can be really damaging,” Russo said. “I have faced it in the past and I think most players here have. When I was younger I probably got sucked into it more. I read it more than I should have and listened to it more than I should have. The only opinions that matter are my team-mates, my coaches and my family.”
Russo continued: “I think you have to remember that they are the people you need to lean on in tough times. As I’ve got older, I understand more what works for me. In my first Euros I was on social media and I would have a look, have a scroll, and I got caught in a trap sometimes.
Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
“Going into the World Cup, I completely came off everything and I had people to run my Instagram. I just focused on the tournament. Staying away from it and staying focused as a team is what works for me.”
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Her comments came a day after Katie Boulter, Britain’s top-ranked female tennis player, revealed she and her family had received death threats following tournament defeats. Russo said she could “empathise completely” with that experience, stressing the need for athletes to prioritise their mental health.
The 26-year-old heads into the summer in arguably the best form of her career, having played a decisive role in Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph. She scored seven goals in 11 matches in the competition, alongside 12 goals in the Women’s Super League.
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