Former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi has reportedly been the victim of a violent raid in which four thugs broke into his home and placed a belt around his neck while stealing cash and several valuable watches.
Benfica star Otamendi, who won two Premier League titles in a five-year stint with City, is said to be “doing well” after the attack, which happened early on Monday morning in his home south of Lisbon after he returned from his side’s Primeira Liga match against Famalicao on Sunday.
According to a report by Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha, the gang attacked the defender as he returned home and forced themselves through the front door while his wife and child were inside.
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Further reports state that a belt was placed around his neck in order to restrain him and get him to reveal the location of valuables within his home.
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CNN Portugal add that the thieves got away with cash and other valuables, and that the Portuguese Judiciary Police have launched an investigation into the robbery – with a private security firm hired to guard the footballer’s home from any further attacks.
Initial reporting also suggests that as many as seven men could have been involved, with suggestions that those responsible are from Eastern Europe.
It has also been claimed that the robbery was conducted like a ‘military raid‘, and that the thieves were wore gloves and balaclavas and communicated with one another by using walkie-talkies.
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Police are also investigating a possible lead that the gang might also be responsible for various other robberies of professional footballers.