AS Roma defender Chris Smalling has taken to Twitter to appreciate those who have reached out to support him after he was robbed at his apartment in Rome, Italy.
Reports went viral on Friday that the 31-year-old English defender was robbed in the early hours of Friday. According to reports, three armed men stormed Chris Smalling’s house and met the footballer, his wife, Sam Cooke, and his son, Leo.
The armed robbers reportedly stole his valuables including luxury watches and jewelry. It was gathered that Chris Smalling was forced to hand over his expensive wristwatch but no one was harmed at the end of the operation.
Police say the investigation to uncover those who are behind the operation is ongoing. They also confirmed that none of the family members of the footballer was physically harmed during the robbery attack.
Less than two days after the attack, Chris Smalling wrote on Twitter that he and his family were left in shock after the attack. He urged those involved to turn a new life.
“I’d like to thank everyone for your good wishes and support!” Smalling wrote on Twitter. “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.”
I’d like to thank everyone for your well wishes and support! My family although very shaken up are luckily unharmed! ❤️
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) April 17, 2021
Hoping these people can find a more meaningful way to live their lives without causing such harm and distress to others.
When the news broke, one of the first footballers that reacted to the story was his former teammate at Manchester United and England national team, Marcus Rashford.
“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”, Rashford 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 ♥️
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) April 16, 2021
Chris Smalling is injured and not having the best of time in his football career. He became a permanent player of AS Roma in October 2020 after spending the previous season on loan at the Italian Serie A club.
Before he left Manchester United in 2019, he has not been a regular player in England’s squad and it is getting more difficult for him to return to the team. He has played for the Three Lions 31 times.
