Alvaro Morata: Spain striker reveals death threats to family and social media abuse received during Euros

Alvaro Morata has been a frequent target for criticism by Spain fans
AFP via Getty Images
George Flood25 June 2021

Spain striker Alvaro Morata has condemned the shocking abuse he has received during Euro 2020, revealing that his family have been subject to death threats.

Juventus frontman Morata has become a target of frequent criticism by Spanish fans, being booed before some matches of late.

The former Chelsea forward missed chances in Spain’s opening Group E draws against Sweden and Poland - though he did score La Roja’s only goal in the latter contest - and saw a penalty saved by Martin Dubravka during the 5-0 win over Slovakia on Tuesday that secured a runners-up spot and last-16 showdown with Croatia in Copenhagen on Monday.

Despite those struggles, Morata nevertheless boasts an impressive strike rate for Spain, scoring 20 times in 43 senior caps.

The 28-year-old has now revealed the extent of the awful abuse and threats he and his family have received both on social media and in Seville, where Luis Enrique’s side played all three of their group matches.

“I would like people to put themselves in my shoes and think what it’s like to get threats towards my family, people saying ‘I hope your children die’. I’ve had to leave my phone outside my room,” Morata told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.

“My wife and children have come to the stadium in Seville with Morata on the back of their shirts and people have been shouting at them. It’s complicated. I understand people booing me for missing chances but there’s a limit.”

Morata added that he was proud to have stepped up to take the spot-kick against Slovakia despite that abuse and is pleased to have the support of his Spain team-mates.

“I'm proud of the fact I picked up the ball (to take the penalty) after people booed me in the warm up. A few years ago I would have been devastated but I'm really motivated. Whoever thinks the opposite doesn't know me," he said.

"It's hard to find a group like this especially in the difficult times. After a week like this I've been aware of how everyone looks at me but I look in their eyes and see they are supporting me."

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