Manchester City's Jack Grealish has spoken out on the burglary at his Cheshire home, which he says was a "traumatic experience" for his family.
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Grealish house robbed during Everton gameFamily members present, £1m worth of items stolenCity star 'devastated' by break-inGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The Manchester City midfielder was playing in a Premier League game against Everton when his home was being robbed last Wednesday. As per , Grealish's fiancee Sasha Attwood, his parents, grandma, two sisters and brother hid for cover in the mansion after pressing 'panic buttons' as thieves broke in to steal £1m worth of jewellery.
WHAT GREALISH SAID
Grealish took to to explain the impact that the burglary has had on him and his loved ones, saying: "I can’t begin to explain how devastated I am over the burglary that took place at my home a few days ago. My family mean the world to me and nothing is more important than ensuring their safety. This has been a traumatic experience for all of us, I am just so grateful that nobody was hurt. I have had so many amazing experiences and achievements over the last 12 months, but to be honest the best year of my life in football now doesn’t feel like something I can celebrate. The people that commit these terrible crimes have no idea of the damage they cause to peoples lives. I hope they are found and brought to justice so no other family has to go through what we have. I appreciate the messages from everyone and the support from my friends, teammates and the club. On a more positive note, I’d like to thank everyone for their support throughout this past year, I wish you and your family a happy 2024."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Cheshire Police are currently investigating the break-in, with a force spokesperson telling : "At around 9.50pm on Wednesday December 27 police were called to reports of a burglary. The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen. Officers supported by police dogs and National Police Air Service were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area but there was no trace of the suspects. No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola urged Premier League footballers to "be careful" on social media after seeing one of his players targeted by burglars. "They have security but unfortunately it's happened. It's happened many times," said the Spaniard. "[Manchester] United players as well. I don't know much about London but it's happened [there], and not just in the UK – I know in Catalonia, where my family lives, many things happen. Today you have to be careful. Not much on social media – the less they know what you are doing the better. People are waiting [to see] where you are, what you are doing."