Joao Cancelo shared a picture on Instagram showing his battered face after he was assaulted in his house by four thugs on Thursday.
Manchester City’s star tried to protect his family and showed resistance. The robbers threatened Cancelo’s partner Daniela and the pair’s daughter Alicia, who is just two years old. They escaped with jewelry following the confrontation.
“Unfortunately, today I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family,” Cancelo wrote on his account. “When you show resistance this is what happens. They managed to take all my jewelry and leave me with my face in this state,” the defender added. “The most important thing for me is my family and luckily they are all OK. After so many obstacles in my life, this is just one more that I will overcome. Firm and strong, like always,” the player concluded.
The police have been alerted and are investigating the incident.
City: ‘We are shocked and appalled’
Manchester City rushed to show support to Cancelo, releasing a statement during the evening.
“We are shocked and appalled that Joao Cancelo and his family were subjected to a burglary at their home this evening during which Joao was also assaulted,” the club wrote. “Joao and his family are being supported by the club and he is helping the police with their inquiries as they investigate this very serious matter,” City added.
Cancelo played 101 games for City since joining from Juventus in 2019. The 27-year-old has been in great form during the past year, fuelling City’s often great performances with magistral showings from his fullback role.
The Portuguese national isn’t the first Premier League star to be targeted by thugs this season. Chelsea’s Reece James was left without his Champions League, European Super Cup, and Euro 2020 medals in September following a raid from robbers, while Everton goalkeeper Robin Olsen and Arsenal defender Gabriel also suffered attacks.