Roma defender Chris Smalling has posted a message of thanks to those who offered support to his family following an armed robbery at their home in Italy on Friday morning.
According to reports, three armed men broke into the former Manchester United player’s home in the south of Rome and confronted Smalling, who was forced to hand over Rolex watches, jewellery and other valuables. Gazzetta dello Sport had reported that the family were sleeping when the break-in happened and intruders forced the 31-year-old footballer to open a safe.
Smalling said no one was physically harmed in the incident, but his family were left in shock. He posted on Twitter: “I’d like to thank everyone for your well wishes and support! My family although very shaken up are luckily unharmed!
“Hoping these people can find a more meaningful way to live their lives without causing such harm and distress to others.”
Smalling’s former United and England teammate Marcus Rashford was among those to post messages of support on Friday.
He wrote on Twitter: “Thinking about you @ChrisSmalling and your lovely family. So sorry to wake up to the news this morning. Can’t imagine how you’re feeling but I hope you’re ok”.
Smalling, capped 31 times by England, joined Roma on loan in 2019 before completing a permanent move to the Serie A club in October last year.
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He has dealt with several injury issues this season, and has not featured since 7 March due to a thigh problem.
The Roma coach, Paulo Fonseca, was targeted by burglars last November, when his home was broken into when he and his family were out. Last month, Paris Saint-Germain forward Ángel Di María was withdrawn from a Ligue 1 game after his house was robbed with his family present at the property.