Brazilian footballer Emerson Royal has revealed that intense negative media scrutiny in Italy forced his departure from AC Milan, stating the constant criticism overshadowed his time with the club and impacted his personal well-being.
The winger, now playing for Flamengo, confessed to Italian sports daily Gazetta dello Sport that he felt an “unpleasant” “wave of hatred” from the moment he arrived in Italy. This occurred even before he had played a single minute for Milan.
Royal recounted that media coverage of him was more negative than that of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
He emphasized that this constant scrutiny affected his family and friends more deeply than himself.
Despite the external pressure, Royal stated he always felt the confidence of his club and teammates. He ultimately earned a starting position at Milan.
He specifically pointed to the “enormous weight” of the Italian press, a factor he was initially unaware of, as the core of the issue.
Royal explained that he felt compelled to do “double” to be accepted in Italy, but success was elusive.
He decided he “couldn’t continue with that feeling” and requested to leave the club.
He contrasted his Milan experience with a similar initial situation at Tottenham Hotspur, where he eventually managed to change public opinion and gain support.
Royal initially intended to stay at Milan and prove himself. However, a subsequent injury and a period sidelined intensified his negative feelings.
He concluded that his relationship with the “environment” had become too strained, making remaining at the club an unsustainable choice.
Since joining Flamengo, he has scored one goal and provided one assist in 18 appearances.