Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling says he relishes being targeted by the boo boys because it drives him on to play even better.
Sterling has been singled out for abuse by away fans ever since his acrimonious move to the Etihad Stadium from Liverpool more than two years ago.
That has continued this season but despite that, Sterling has been in brilliant form this season -- already hitting a personal best tally of 13 goals with six months of the campaign still remaining.
Included in those goals were valuable late winners against Bournemouth, Huddersfield Town and Southampton and Sterling says he loves answering his critics with his performances on the pitch.
"It's football, it's part of the game," he told ESPN FC. "When they give you grief, hopefully you can stick the ball in the back of the net and go celebrate and that's probably the best answer you can give them.
"But no, I actually quite enjoy it when you hear abuse because you want to score and upset them even more."
It is just not on the sports pages where Sterling has been taken the headlines. Among the incidents that have seen the 22-year-old make it into the British tabloids was when he was spotted driving to City's Academy in a dirty car, shopping at a discount store and buying sausage rolls from the bakery Greggs.
"It doesn't concern me," he said. "It's more like: "A dirty car, oh my God!'
"There's more things going on in the world than a dirty car or me eating from Greggs. I love Greggs, I'm not going to stop eating from Greggs! If I've got a day off, I've got a day off tomorrow actually, I might pop in and get a sausage roll.
"Yeah, it's just a bit silly at times. There's more things going on in the world now than a sausage pasty."
Even Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who was linked with a move for the England iinternational during the summer, aimed a jibe at Sterling in November following City's 3-1 win over his side.
Wenger said Sterling "dives well" after he was brought down by Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal for a second-half penalty at the Etihad Stadium.
The criticism has made a number of City fans protective of Sterling and he says he is grateful for their support.
Asked about Wenger's comments, he said: "It's a bit strange because if someone kicks you or pushes you from behind then what else do you expect?"
"It was something I didn't really pay attention to but at the same time it wasn't called for really.
"From the moment I came here [the fans have] been really helpful -- probably a bit frustrated at times -- but really helpful as well.
"It's a credit to them. They had belief in me and faith and I'm happy to be at this football club."