Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin admits he's found criticism from fans "very abusive".

Although Bellerin has "learnt to grow a thick skin", he admits that it can sometimes be difficult to cope in such situations.

He told The Times: "Some of it can get very abusive. Most of the abuse is online, but you hear it in the stadium, too.

"People have called me 'lesbian' for growing my hair. There are other kinds of homophobic insults. I have learnt to grow a thick skin but it can affect you. Every now and again, you get a bit of self-doubt.

"The problem is that people have an idea of what a footballer should look like, how they should behave, what they should talk about.

"You act a little differently and you become a target. There is pressure to conform. This is very dangerous. In life, you should be allowed to express yourself. People are happier like this."