Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling off social media after abuse

The 22-year-old England international was particularly targeted with online criticism during the European Championship in 2016. At that tournament, Sterling dubbed himself "The Hated One" on Instagram

In this Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017 file photo, Manchester City's Raheem Sterling gestures during the Champions League Group F soccer match between Manchester City and Shakhtar Donetsk at Etihad stadium, Manchester, England.| AP

MANCHESTER: Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has stopped checking his social media accounts because of the abuse he gets from critics.

The 22-year-old England international was particularly targeted with online criticism during the European Championship in 2016. At that tournament, Sterling dubbed himself "The Hated One" on Instagram following England's opening game against Russia.

He says "Since I have been getting those negative comments, I realize the best thing is not to look at it so it won't affect you."

City manager Pep Guardiola phoned Sterling during Euro 2016 in a show of support, and the winger has improved his end product under the Spanish coach with six goals already in the Premier League this season. He is only five off his record goal tally for a single season.

Sterling says Guardiola's influence has been "massive for me."