England star breaks free from social media ‘trap’

ENGLAND striker Alessia Russo says she now avoids social media at major tournaments after previously falling into the “trap” of reading “really damaging” comments.

On Tuesday tennis player Katie Boulter lifted the lid on the level of abuse aimed at some in her sport and revealed she and her family have received death threats.

Arsenal forward Russo, who is gearing up for next month’s Euros, said she could empathise with Boulter and has learned to avoid the platforms for the benefit of both her mental health and her football.

“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,” said Russo, pictured. “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.

“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.

“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.”