Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italian and Paris Saint-Germain football club goalkeeper, and his spouse, Alessia Elefante, faced a harrowing situation as they were attacked and robbed at their residence in the heart of Paris, France’s capital.
According to information from police sources, it was reported on Friday morning that the couple was subjected to a targeted attack by a group of individuals who then restrained them within their flat in the eighth district, situated at the heart of the capital city.
Subsequently, the couple fled to a nearby hotel to seek refuge after the attack, where vigilant hotel staff promptly raised the alarm. As a result, they were quickly rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.
‘An investigation has been opened on charges of armed robbery in an organised gang and aggravated violence following the events that took place overnight at Mr Donnarumma’s place,’ a spokesperson for the Paris prosecutor’s office said.
Read also: PSG Secures Signature Of Nigerian Defender, Nicole Payne
Uncorroborated reports hint at the attackers’ successful getaway with jewellery and lavish merchandise, valued at an astounding €500,000 (£430,000). Fortunately, the goalkeeper’s injuries were minor, and his partner remained safe.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed that the dedicated BRB police unit in France, tasked with addressing armed robberies and burglaries, had initiated an investigation.
Two years ago, at the age of 24, Donnarumma made the leap to Paris, and on Friday, he is all set to become part of the PSG squad, just before their much-awaited pre-season friendly and Japan tour.
Previous cases indicate that PSG goalkeepers have encountered gang targeting, with the majority of incidents happening when they were away from their residences.
Two individuals were sentenced to prison in January for a robbery that took place at the home of Brazil’s footballer Marquinhos in Yvelines, located to the west of Paris, back in March 2021.
At the time of the incident, Marquinhos was away playing, while his father and two daughters were present in the house.
Coincidentally, the residence of Marquinhos’ teammate, Angel Di Maria, was also burglarized on the same day.