Leno: Vile troll told me to die

his former club Bayer Leverkusen. Ex-germany keeper Enke took his own life in 2009 aged 32 having suffered from depression.

Leno’s revelation follows Gunners boss Mikel Arteta telling how his family received online threats.

“I’ve a lot of experience with that, here and also in Germany,” said Leno. “There was one thing that kept in my mind, it was crazy. I had a very bad game and then one guy on social media said to me, ‘Do it like Enke’.

“After this I realised there are many stupid people on social media. That’s the reason I don’t read it, even when everything is good. I don’t need that.

“There are so many fake people that hide behind their computers to make you feel bad.”

A study by data science firm Signify found 16 instances of Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka being racially abused on Twitter in December, including from accounts who ‘selfidentify’ as season-ticket holders. It also revealed homophobic abuse directed at Hector Bellerin.

A club spokesman said that if identified, those responsible faced the “strongest possible action”, including police being informed.

Brighton have removed about 100 abusive posts directed at players, blocked users and threatened legal action against those responsible.

“This isn’t about the club being averse to online criticism from our supporters,” said chief executive Paul Barber (above). “But views that are abusive, discriminatory, hateful, or bullying are not acceptable.”

One person was identified and reported to police, added Barber.

BY

CARLO ANCELOTTI says Everton’s season will not be defined by their battle with the top teams – but by the progress made behind the scenes.

And the Toffees boss explained the chance to continue working with director of football Marcel Brands – who is set to extend his contract beyond the end of the campaign – will be a key factor in realising their ambitions.

Everton face Manchester City tonight with a run of just one win in their last 14 games against the Premier League leaders. But Ancelotti said: “They are not the games that are going to decide our ambition.

“Our ambition is still the same, to reach Europe at the end of the season, no matter what happens against City. We are not at the same level of the top teams. But we are heading in the right direction.”

And Ancelotti (above) believes Brands is a big part of the stability at Goodison this season. He added: “We are working well and have a good relationship with him.

“I will be really pleased if he can sign a new contract – it is important to give stability to the club.”

FC Porto v Juventus

Kick-off 8pm

ANDREA PIRLO says Juventus are dreaming of ending a 25-year wait to win the Champions League.

But the Juve boss urged caution ahead of a last-16 first leg at Porto tonight.

The Italian champions impressed in the group stages, finishing top and ahead of Barcelona with five wins from six games.

Yet the last time they won the competition was in 1996, and they have lost five finals since then.

“A lot of teams want to win it but it depends on how you prepare mentally and physically,” said Pirlo (above). “We’re on the same level as the others. Some might be more favoured but get to the last 16 and everyone dreams of going all the way.”

Pirlo is in his first season as a coach but knows all about the Champions League from his playing days, having won it twice with AC Milan and losing a final with Juve in 2016-17.

“When you’re playing a last-16 game the adrenaline rises so much you can do important things,” he said. “Porto defend very well. They’re compact, in the style of Atletico Madrid. We’ll need to be patient.”