Former footballer Ashley Cole advises players to limit social media use
The former England player suggested that players struggling with online abuse could simply avoid having social media accounts.
Former England footballer Ashley Cole has urged players to find ways to manage online abuse and criticism, stating that pressure is part of competing at the highest level. Speaking to The Assam Tribune in an interaction facilitated by JioStar, Cole said players must find ways to channel negative energy because the sport is ruthless.
Cole, who earned 107 caps for England, suggested that players struggling with social media abuse could limit their exposure. He said that if players cannot handle the pressure and expectation, a simple answer is to not have social media.
The Premier League Hall of Famer noted that while he uses social media, he does not read the comments. He suggested players could turn off comments or limit the time they spend on platforms, such as avoiding them immediately before or after a game.
Cole stated that criticism did not affect him during his playing career. He said that if he read something negative, he would simply go out and play, or avoid reading newspapers and watching the news if he disliked certain content.
Reflecting on his career, Cole mentioned his time at Arsenal and Chelsea, where he won multiple titles including the Champions League. He also commented on the different management styles of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Roberto Di Matteo.
Regarding Indian football supporters organising charitable initiatives, Cole said football is a powerful tool to galvanise societies. He noted that supporters giving back to the community while supporting their teams shows why football is special.