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Di Maria subbed because his house was robbed with family held hostage
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 15.03.21. | 12:46
His family members were present during the robbery
PSG midfielder Angel Di Maria really doesn’t have luck with burglars. After being a victim of a burglar's attack while playing for Manchester United, the Argentinian and his family were again attacked in their home, this time in Paris. And unlike the first time, the French thieves choose to attack while Di Maria was in the middle of a Ligue 1 game.
It was a Round 30 match against Nant (which PSG lost 2-1) when during the second half news about the robbery reached sports director Leonardo. He was seen on the phone at the stands before talking to coach Mauricio Pochettino, who then substituted Di Maria in the 62nd minute, just as the guests equalized. Poccetino then informed the Argentinian of the situation, escorting him to the dressing room. Di Maria immediately left the stadium and went to his house. As RMS reported, the situation was serious, as his family members were present during the robbery and things got violent. Other media later reported that the family were unharmed but were held hostage at one point.
⚠️ Leonardo, PSG sporting director, called Pochettino on the bench for a serious conversation. Immediately, the coach replaced Di María.The reason: the player's house was robbed and his family was kidnapped. Di María left the field crying. ????pic.twitter.com/yC2R2bXT10
— Enock Essel Niccolo Makaville (@EsselKobina39) March 15, 2021
His team-mates were left in shock after hearing the news, because his colleague Marquinho’s house was also robbed during the same match, with Brasilian’s parents also being at the house.
"There is the disappointment of having lost three points, but the group was concerned about things that you are probably already aware of. It is not an excuse, but there was an unusual drop in energy. Yes, we spoke with the players, but not about what happened footballistically. There are situations outside football that you have to take into account" said Pochettino at the press conference after the match.
This is Di Maria’s second incident regarding a burglary. His first one was during his playing time with Manchester United when a gang of three armed thugs tried to break through patio doors while he was eating dinner with his wife and his first-born daughter.
"He had young children, he lived a few houses below mine and someone tried to rob him. He and his family had been shaken up, we really felt like it was going to be difficult from there so it was probably best for him to go" Wayne Rooney, his team-mate at the time, told The Sunday Times a few months ago.
Di Maria is the latest PSG star to fall victim to burglary with news of Mauro Icardi's home being hit by thieves back in January.
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