Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui robbed at knifepoint in nightmare home invasion | OneFootball

Roma and Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui was the victim of a horrific home invasion on Monday night. The 24-year-old’s Castel Fusano abode was attacked by a gang composed of six people.

The group reportedly broke in at around three AM after tearing down a grate on the living room window. The perpetrators then locked Aynaoui’s mother, partner, brother and his partner, in a room, while stealing jewellery, a Rolex and designer handbags. The jewellery is believed to be worth approximately €10,000.

Police rushed to the scene, and now the Flying Squad, who have dealt with numerous robberies involving Roma and Lazio footballers in recent months, are currently investigating. The footballer’s mother told TG1: “They held a knife to my throat, took everything, and left, telling us to keep quiet.”

Rome’s footballing community has been vulnerable to attacks of this nature in recent years. Wesley, Mario Gila and Matias Vecino have all suffered similar fates.

Before those, more examples of high-profile robberies arrive with Philippe Mexes, Christian Panucci, Mattia Zaccagni, Toma Basic, and Chris Smalling.

El Aynaoui, who arrived in the summer from Lens, told Roma straight away and is understandably still frightened, considering the robbers were armed and threatened his family. He will miss training at Trigoria ahead of Thursday’s Europa League Round of 16 second leg clash against Bologna.

GIFN | Max Bradfield