ROME – AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui and his family were subjected to a terrifying ordeal overnight, becoming victims of an armed robbery at their home in the Castel Fusano district of Rome. The incident, which occurred between Monday and Tuesday, involved a gang of six masked individuals, according to reports from Italian news sources.
The intruders gained entry to the property by forcing open a living room window. Once inside, they reportedly confined El Aynaoui, his mother, his girlfriend, his brother, and his brother’s girlfriend to a single room while they ransacked the house. This area of Rome is known to be a residence for several footballers from both Roma and Lazio, raising concerns about a potential pattern of targeting athletes.
Authorities confirmed that the robbers made off with approximately €10,000 worth of jewelry, a Rolex watch, and several designer handbags. No one was physically injured during the incident, though the emotional impact on El Aynaoui and his family is significant. Police are currently investigating the robbery, with the Flying Squad – a unit familiar with previous incidents involving footballers in the region – leading the inquiry.
The 24-year-old El Aynaoui, who joined Roma from Lens last summer for a reported €23.5 million, has made 26 appearances for the Serie A club this season. He was immediately informed of the incident by his club and will miss training on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s Europa League Round of 16 second leg clash against Bologna, according to multiple reports.
This incident is not isolated. In recent years, several other footballers playing in Rome have been targeted by robbers. Wesley, Mario Gila, and Matias Vecino have all been victims of similar burglaries. Prior incidents have also involved players such as Philippe Mexes, Christian Panucci, Mattia Zaccagni, Toma Basic, and Chris Smalling, highlighting a concerning trend of robberies targeting high-profile athletes in the Italian capital.
El Aynaoui’s mother recounted a harrowing experience to TG1, stating that the robbers held a knife to her throat while stealing belongings and instructing the family to remain silent. This detail underscores the violent nature of the intrusion and the fear experienced by those present.
The Castel Fusano area, while generally considered a secure residential district, has seen an increase in reported burglaries, prompting increased security measures and police patrols. The proximity of several footballers to one another may have inadvertently made the area a target for criminals seeking high-value items.
The incident raises questions about the security measures in place for footballers and their families in Italy. While clubs often provide some level of security, the frequency of these robberies suggests that more comprehensive measures may be necessary to protect athletes from becoming targets. The league has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident, but it is expected to address the growing concerns about player safety.
As the investigation continues, authorities are hoping to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for this brazen act. The Flying Squad is reviewing security footage from the area and interviewing potential witnesses in an effort to gather more information about the perpetrators and their motives.
For El Aynaoui, the focus now shifts to supporting his family and recovering from the emotional trauma of the experience. Roma has offered its full support to the player and his family, providing counseling and assistance as needed. The club is also working with local authorities to enhance security measures at the player’s residence.
Roma’s Europa League match against Bologna on Thursday will undoubtedly be impacted by this incident. While El Aynaoui’s absence from training is confirmed, his availability for the match remains uncertain. The team will need to rally around their teammate and focus on delivering a positive result in a crucial European competition.
The next update regarding El Aynaoui’s condition and availability for the match is expected on Wednesday, following further assessment by the club’s medical staff. Fans and fellow players have expressed their support for El Aynaoui and his family on social media, demonstrating the strong sense of community within the football world.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by high-profile individuals and the importance of prioritizing security and personal safety. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that those responsible will be brought to justice and that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Archysport will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
