Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo was left with a bruised eye and a gash on his face after confronting four attackers who threatened him, his partner and his two-year-old daughter
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In pictures: Brentford v Man City
Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo was left with a gash above his eye after he was attacked by four “cowards” who threatened his family during an attack.
The Portugal international, 27, took to Instagram to show his nasty wound and bruised eye but confirmed his partner Daniela and two-year-old daughter Alicia are “all OK” after the ordeal.
“Unfortunately today I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family,” Cancelo wrote.
“When you show resistance this is what happens. They managed to take all my jewellery and leave me with my face in this state.
“I don’t know how there people with such meanness.
“The most important thing for me is my family and luckily they are all OK.
“And I, after so many obstacles in my life, this is just one more that I will overcome.
Image:
https://www.instagram.com/jpcancelo/)
Image:
Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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“Firm and strong like always.”
The attack on Cancelo and his family is by no means an isolated incident, with a number of Premier League players subject to similar horrible experiences.
In March, Everton goalkeeper Robin Olsen and his family were confronted by a gang at their residence in Cheshire and in May 2020 Tottenham playmaker Dele Alli was attacked by two knifemen at his £2million home.
There were reports in October that an unnamed top-flight footballer was tied up by machete-wielding thugs at his £1.5million home, with watches jewellery and electrical devices stolen.
Elsewhere, Chelsea and England defender Reece James shared CCTV footage showing robbers making off which his Champions League and Euro 2020 medals in September.
This latest attack on Cancelo comes shortly after the former Juventus star helped City extend their advantage at the top of the league with a 1-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday evening.
The full-back – who is more than capable of playing on the right or left of defence – has been one of the best players in his position this season and has featured in all but one of City’s top-flight games.
Cancelo has contributed three goals and seven assists in 26 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville named Cancelo in their teams of the season at the midpoint of the campaign, with the latter saying: “It is unlucky on (Andy) Robertson, but I just thought Cancelo and (Trent) Alexander-Arnold have lit up this league from full-back.”
It remains to be seen if Cancelo will feature against Arsenal in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off after his ordeal in midweek.
Mirror Sport has contacted Manchester City and Greater Manchester Police for comment.
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