Francisco Naval Perez, a Spanish footballer has been stabbed to death in Spain in what police believe is a random attack in Cadiz.
The footballer, who was 24 years old, and plays for Chipiona CF died of the wounds he sustained from the stabbing. Reports in Spain claimed that a 20-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the attack.
As per reports, the star who is a husband and a father, died in the hospital on Sunday after he was stabbed in the chest.
Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that there was no particular reason behind the attack and there were no known links between the player and the attacker.
It was reported that the said attacker stabbed Perez on the chest without saying anything or even having any previous contact with him.
After the incident, Paco, as he is commonly known, was rushed to the hospital in Sanlucar and Jerez de la Frontera.
Due to the seriousness of the injury, he was later transferred to the Puerta del Mar hospital in Cadiz where he passed away at around 2.30 am on Sunday.
Chipona CF, the club he played for, released a statement saying: “Well, we don’t even have words to begin with, this seems like a nightmare, but unfortunately it’s real, our player Paco Naval Perez has left us, he died this morning.”
In the statement, it was also added that Paco had been “fighting between life and death’ and that he ‘had his whole life ahead of him”.
“Paco was only 24 years old, [he had] a lifetime ahead, our condolences to all his family and colleagues from our club, guys, strength in these difficult times. Rest in peace.”
Real Madrid paid tribute to the deceased player, saying: “Real Madrid CF deeply regrets the death of Paco Naval, a Chipiona CF player, and wishes to express its condolences and affection to all his family, his club, teammates and loved ones. RIP.”
Chipiona President Alejandro Florido also noted, “It was his turn. He was at the wrong time in the wrong place. Precisely this Sunday, they would celebrate it and, look, coincidences of life. His family is destroyed. Everyone loved him. He was a very good person.”
Chipiona’s mayor went ahead to add, “He was a very appreciated young man with his whole life ahead of him. A misfortune that has shocked everyone, and that makes us sad.”
Francisco Naval Perez is not the only player to have been stabbed in recent times, however, his case is unfortunate as he lost his life.
Pablo Mari was one of six persons who were stabbed in a supermarket outside of Milan in October 2022 and despite being rushed to the hospital in a pool of blood, he survived the attack.
The incident reportedly took place in the evening at around 6.30 pm local time in a Carrefour in the Milanofirori di Assago shopping center, Milan.
Six individuals were injured during the attack by a 46-year-old man who stole a knife from the shop’s shelf.
Reports in Italy affirmed then that the security operatives have arrested the suspect.
While the then 29 years old only sustained injuries and was ready to welcome visitors the following day, Francisco Naval Perez had to fight for his life untill his demise on Sunday, April 2.
