World Cup 2018: Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero hits back at sick online trolls who threatened him after blunder against Croatia
WILLY CABALLERO has opened up on the vile threats made against him and his family after Argentina’s defeat to Croatia.
The Chelsea goalkeeper’s horror mistake gifted Croatia the lead as they went on to run out 3-0 winners - a result that left the South Americans on the brink of exiting the World Cup.
Caballero, 36, was distraught at the role he had played in damaging his side's chances but was then subject of sickening abuse online aimed at himself and his young family.
Argentina recovered from the blow to beat Nigeria 2-1 on Tuesday to seal a place in the last-16 and showdown with France on Saturday.
And now the dust has settled on a traumatic fortnight in the Argentine camp, Caballero has slammed the threats made against him.
He wrote on Instagram: “And more calm… After the positive result and the classification (in the next round), what happened to me becomes an anecdote. A misfortune, a screw-up, a mistake, whatever you want to call it.
“There are a lot of things that I accept, because it was a football mistake. But I received a lot of disrespect, bad wishes and threats towards me and my family, and those ugly attitudes did not help me.
“I’m around many people who support me, comfort me and suffered my situation. I thank all those who were there; the near and the distant; those who dared to write to me and all those who supported me in one way or another.
“Once again I accept my mistake, but I never had the desire that my family spend such unpleasant days.
“I see the shirt of Argentina with the values that I learned in my home and growing in football. Thanks to those who are always with me and my family.”
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE All the latest action, news, goals and gossip from the World Cup
LATEST WORLD CUP 2018 NEWS
The ugly abuse began with some wishing serious illness on the ‘keeper and his family, while others crossed the line even further.
Multiple users made rape threats against Caballero's wife and daughters.
There were also posts commenting on the looks of the Argentinean's family.
Caballero was dropped for the Nigeria game following his blunder against Croatia.
And the veteran is likely to be named on the bench again with Franco Armani being favoured to guard the net against Les Bleus.