Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has revealed that an online abuser suggested he should take his own life when he was at Bayer Leverkusen.
The 28-year-old played for the Bundesliga club between 2011 and 2018 and was contacted online after one game by someone who told him he should copy German goalkeeper Robert Enke, who took his own life.
Enke's career was deeply affected by depression before his tragic death at the age of 32.
The Arsenal netminder says that he has not looked at social media comments since the sickening remark was sent to him.
"Of course I have a lot of experience with that, here [in the UK] and also in Germany. There was one thing that kept in my mind, it was crazy," Leno told Sky Sports News, when asked about the subject of online abuse.
"I had a very bad game and then one guy on social media said to me 'do it like Enke'.
"Since I read this I realise that there are so many stupid people on social media. That is the reason I don't read it even when everything is good. I don't need that, it doesn't make me better, it is wasting time.
"There are so many fake people that hide behind their computers to make you feel bad. Many times with racism, abuse to families, I don't like it, I don't read it. It affects your life, what is the point?"
Camp Nou Stadium - Granit Xhaka of Arsenal FC (Photo by pressinphoto/Sipa USA)Last week Instagram pledged to take "tougher action" against users of their platform who send abusive messages.
The move comes following a surge of racist abuse directed at footballers including Manchester United players Axel Tuanzebe, Marcus Rashford and Lauren James, James' brother Reece James and his Chelsea team-mate Antonio Rudiger.
Arsenal players have also been targeted by online abusers with data science company, Signify, revealing in a recent case study that some Gunners' season ticket holders had racially abused midfielder Granit Xhaka and sent homophobic abuse to defender Hector Bellerin.
Arsenal have said that they will take the '"strongest possible action" against any one linked to a season ticket or membership with the club.
