Joao Cancelo has detailed the shocking abuse he received on social media in the aftermath of Barcelona’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Catalan giants were in a strong position heading into the second leg after winning the pair’s first encounter 3-2 at the Parc des Princes, and extended their aggregate lead through Raphinha.
But Ronald Araujo’s sending off turned the game on its head, allowing PSG to get back into the tie and eventually turn things around. Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Barcelona were eventually humbled 4-1 on the night.
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan was critical of Araujo for getting himself sent off, but Cancelo, on loan from Manchester City, was singled out on social media for what many perceived to be a poor performance.
The 29-year-old has now revealed the extent of the abuse he received online, stating that his partner, daughter and unborn baby were targeted by the posts.
“People say all sorts,” Cancelo told ESPN. “There are comments on Instagram wishing death upon my daughter who’s not even been born yet. They would not say it to me face, because we would have a problem, but in the comments they write what they want.
“They’re offensive to my partner, my daughter, our unborn baby. It’s a cruel world and you have to know how to live with it. I know how to, but I just don’t know what to say anymore.
“Wishing death upon a baby is really serious. People don’t think about the person behind the footballer they see on the television. We are humans, too. We are just the same.”
Cancelo admitted to being unable to sleep the night of the game, reflecting on the mistakes that he’d makde in the tie, but said that his and Barcelona’s focus is now on what’s ahead – starting with this Sunday’s Clasico against bitter rivals Real Madrid.
“It has been a really difficult week to be honest. We were excited to go far in the Champions League. I think this club deserves it, but it’s a week we have to leave behind,” the Portuguese continued. “That night [after PSG] I didn’t sleep because I couldn’t. Personally, when I don’t win, I really struggle to sleep because I feel like I didn’t do my job [well], I didn’t do well.
“I am just speaking for myself. It was a strange game. How we lost I think was what stopped me sleeping. I feel 11 vs. 11 we would have been able to win. But we have to keep going.”
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