MADRID, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Bilbao forward Alex Berenguer has sent a message of calm after armed robbers tried to force their way into his family home on Monday.
"I want to thank everyone for their affection, their calls and the messages I have received," said Berenguer in a post on social media on Tuesday.
The robbers attempted to force their way into his home in the small town of Mungia (close to Bilbao) on Monday, while the forward and his family were in the house.
According to reports in the Spanish press, Berenguer saw three hooded men in his garden and was able to lock the doors and windows in time to prevent them from gaining access, although one of them pointed a revolver at him before running away.
The would-be robbers escaped in a vehicle, which was later discovered by police in the city of Vitoria around 65 kilometers away and investigations are ongoing.
"At the moment, my priority is the wellbeing of my family, and I ask for respect and understanding," added Berenguer, who trained with the rest of his teammates on Tuesday morning ahead of Thursday's Europa League tie at home with Viktoria Plzen.
Footballers' homes have increasingly become targets for criminal gangs, both in Spain and elsewhere in recent years, with robbers knowing they usually contain expensive possessions, and usually timing their actions for when the player is either involved in a game or training. ■