August 30 – Barcelona forward and Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been attacked and robbed at his home by four people wearing masks who then escaped.
Barca confirmed reports that the player and his wife had been threatened with guns and iron bars.
Authorities told the Spanish daily El Pais that Aubameyang was hit and forced to open a safe where the couple kept jewellery. Reports said they were tied up and handcuffed during the robbery early on Monday.
Aubameyang, a Gabon international, signed for Barcelona at the beginning of the year after stints with Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal.
Reports suggest what happened to him will hasten his move to Chelsea. He was an unused substitute in Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Valladolid on Sunday and is among the players expected to be sold to reduce Barca’s huge debts.
A number of high profile football players in Spain have been subject to robberies. However, most of the break-ins happen while the footballers are playing – making Aubameyang’s incident unusual.
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