NEWS
Patrick Wimmer on online hate: "That's where the line is drawn"
The new Hoffenheim player speaks out in an interview about death threats via social media.
Patrick Wimmer speaks out clearly about online hate.
The Austrian international, who will now play for TSG Hoffenheim, spoke in an interview with "Bild" about hostility on social media.
"What really bothers me extremely about professional football are anonymous insults and threats on social media," says the 25-year-old. If someone has a problem with him, they should tell him to his face.
As long as the insults only concern him, he can deal with them, Wimmer said. "But as soon as my wife or my family are attacked, the fun stops for me; that's where the line is drawn."
The Joy Outweighs It All
Despite the negative side effects, he doesn't regret his career choice, Wimmer said.
"I don't know if the death threats would have come even if I had scored 70 goals in an amateur league," Wimmer said.
It was never his plan to become a professional footballer – but he is grateful that it turned out this way.
"The negative side effects are unfortunately part of it, but overall, the joy of being able to pursue this profession clearly outweighs everything else."
