A Premier League star has been viciously attacked at his home and tied up along with his girlfriend by thugs carrying machetes, reports say.
The player, who has not been named, was set upon by a gang of balaclava-clad yobs who broke into his £1.5million house during the international break. The footballer was dragged around his secluded mansion by the four men who smashed their way in through a glass door. The terrifying attack is said to have occurred when the player was watching a match on the TV while his partner was in the bath. But they are understood to have been grabbed by the thugs, tied up and left as their home was ransacked - with watches, jewellery and electrical items allegedly looted.
"It's everyone's worst nightmare. He was pretty brave and did his best, but he was outnumbered and they were pretty aggressive. The player lives a pretty low-profile life off the pitch, so he was shocked to be targeted. He doesn't flash his wealth and enjoys being as normal as possible," a source from reports revealed.
The police said:" Entry was forced to the property and jewellery, along with other household items, were stolen. Inquiries are ongoing." The robbery left staff at his club shocked and left officials deeply distressed by the events. It is the latest reported robbery of a footballers' property, with raids when they are playing matches becoming a worryingly frequent occurrence in recent times.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Robin Olsen and his family were subjected to a 'horrific' attack by machete-wielding raiders in March this year in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, when the Swede was playing for Everton. Many clubs subsequently considered offering their players bodyguards, amid concerns that they were being targeted by an organised mob. The attack on Olsen's home was a month after former Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti saw a safe stolen from his property by thugs disturbed by the Italian's daughter.
Last May, Tottenham and England star Dele Alli was attacked by two knifemen at his £2million home. Alli was punched in the face after being threatened by two masked intruders armed with knives, who made off with thousands of pounds worth of jewellery, including expensive watches. Alli tweeted at the time: "Thank you for all the messages. Horrible experience but we're all okay now. Appreciate the support."
In the aftermath of that incident, many players turned to guard dogs for protection and ramped up security at their homes. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one of those and posted pictures online - as did Manchester United teammate Jesse Lingard - of dogs from Leicestershire’s Chaperone K9. Its breeds, which are predominantly German and Belgian Shepherds, sell for £15,000 (Ksh 2 Million). Paul Pogba and Alli's team-mate Hugo Lloris are also customers of Chaperone K9.
Merseyside police later recovered the safe three miles away from the now Real Madrid boss' house in Thornton, although it had been forced open.