Ex-Met Wilmer Flores knows what its like to hear Citi Field boos

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Cheers emanated from the Citi Field stands during the fifth inning Friday evening, a rarity in recent weeks amid the Mets’ free-fall.

No, they weren’t sarcastic shouts after the Mets did something positive nor in relation to a celebrity shown on the big screen.

They were directed toward a longtime fan favorite, though not one in a home uniform.

Wilmer Flores, now in his fourth season with the Giants, smacked a solo home run off of Carlos Carrasco.

In what became a 5-4 Giants win, his homer tied the score at 2-2.

With a different batter at the plate, that homer likely would have prompted loud boos, which have grown commonplace as the Mets have sunk farther and farther out of the playoff picture.

“A lot of years, a lot of time [when I was with the Mets], we got booed,” Flores told The Post before the Giants’ 4-1 loss to the Mets on Saturday afternoon, in which Flores went 0-4 at the plate. “When you’re playing badly, you just gotta expect it, because you were playing bad and that’s how it goes here.”

The 31-year-old Flores was beloved by fans during his six years with the Mets, particularly after he shed tears on the field after being told he was going to be traded ahead of the 2015 deadline.

That deal fell through and Flores remained on the roster, with the moment serving as a catalyst for the Mets’ unlikely run to the World Series that season.

He was part of his fair share of disappointing teams during his six years with the Mets, however, and heard plenty of boos directed at the team.

Now on his third team (he spent a season with the Diamondbacks before joining the Giants), Flores still recognizes that New York is its own beast.

And engulfed by that beast, Flores can relate to what the current Mets are going through.

“The way that I approach it, you can’t push it,” Flores said. “When you press and try to do a lot more than you’re capable of, things are not gonna work out. Think about a hit, you’ll hit a homer. If you think about a homer, you’ll strike out. Think small and relax. I think that goes for every hitter, for every pitcher, for every player. Just relax and let your abilities play out.”

With a slash line of .255/.318/.460, eight homers and 24 RBIs entering Saturday, Flores has emerged as a mentor and leader in the Giants’ clubhouse. He has played first base, second base and third base as well as serving as the designated hitter this year.

It’s a role reversal from his time with the Mets. The Venezuela native grew up in the organization after he was signed at just 16 years old.

“I know people see me that way, I don’t feel that way,” Flores said. “I still feel like I’m young and quiet, I don’t feel like a veteran. I guess time flies, right? It just feels different, people respect you a little more. People ask you more questions. You always try to help.”

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