I disagree, I have friends that work in call centres, people abuse them pretty regularly and they get paid below average wages. Im sure they would happily let people throw abuse at them for 100 000 pounds/week. They are getting abused for 50 000 bucks a year already in job they took because the economy is in the tank. They work two whole years to earn what Xhaka makes in 1 week. Paying customers have a right to voice their displeasure, just as in any entertainment industry. From stand up comics to UFC.
He is a professional footballer, it comes with the territory, I do agree you need a certain mental fortitude to be successful as a professional footballer. And a lot of self belief because even in Sunday leagues people will be yelling from the sideline. I 100% do not agree with people bringing his family into it, those clowns need to be fired into space on a Musk rocket.
Again there is a difference between the two, I've worked in a call center as well (though admittedly in Canada
) where I was given some stick by people at times as well. That did effect me but honestly the difference between that and getting called out by fellow players while playing basketball felt vastly different. Playing basketball was something I pride myself on so to hear someone say I'm shit at it would hurt me a lot more than at the call center.
Very anecdotal, I agree, but I honestly think we need some perspective when we say they shouldn't complain getting so much money, or that we would gladly take that abuse if we were earning that much. None if us have gone through that level of abuse, and that type, to confidently say so.
There are very extreme cases of depression in football that people should be aware of before making comments like that. Enke took his own life despite being a hero at Hannover and being the no. 1 heading into the World Cup, his wife said his depression started when he wasn't getting playing time at Barcelona and just continued after that, culminating to suicide when his young daughter passed away. Deisler retired due to depression and injuries, he didn't want to continue playing eventhough Bayern offered to continue his high paying contract. Breno burned his house because of depression after going through injuries and being criticized in the media for his performances. To quote Breno:
'In Brazil, I had less money and luxury, but I was happy. Here I have money, but I lack everything.'
We honestly can't take these things lightly and the more we mock it the more footballers will continue to hide it. Fans need to realize it's just a fecking game man.