Back in late December, it was revealed that Joao Cancelo and his family were the victims of a violent burglary at the home of the Portugal international.
The Manchester City full-back took to Instagram to disclose details of the unfortunate attack, showcasing the facial injuries he had suffered which included a cut above his right eye.
“Unfortunately, today, I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family," Cancelo wrote in a personal statement.
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"When you show resistance, this is what happens.
"I don’t know how there are people with such meanness.
He continued, "They managed to take all my jewellery and leave me with my face in this state.
"The most important thing for me is my family and luckily, they are all OK.
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"After so many obstacles in my life, this is just one more that I will overcome.
"Firm and strong, like always.”
It was eventually reported that club staff made their way to the 27 year-old’s home to provide support to the player and his family in the aftermath of the traumatic incident.
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Shortly after the incident, former club captain Fernandinho was informed, who has now reflected on the events of last year.
“He rang me, and he was video calling.
"I thought it was strange when he made a video call, he was bleeding and I thought he was doing a prank.
"I leave the living room and go to the bedroom with my phone.
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"'What happened?' (He said), 'They entered my house, assaulted me.' And I said, 'Joao, take it easy, I'm coming over!”, he revealed in the latest episode of the City + documentary, ‘Together: Champions Again!’.
Joao Cancelo also went on to recount the incident by saying, “I was with my family in the living room.
"Hooded men terrorised my whole house, family and my daughter.
"He (Fernandinho) saw, I video-called him. He saw my face full of blood. And in five, ten minutes, Fernandinho was at my house.”
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The versatile defender gave an insight into how the former Manchester City club captain lent a helping hand by revealing, “Fernandinho was trying to calm down me and my family. He showed me that side to be able to count on him also in these difficult times for me and for my family. I gained even greater respect than I already had for him.”
The former Juventus star opened up on the importance of family, stating, “For me, my family is the holiest thing I have and the most important thing in my life. If they hurt them, they are hurting me. Because if they hurt me, I'm ready for it.
"I've suffered in life. I know that I will suffer in the future, I am prepared to suffer. But don't make my family suffer, this I am not able to bear. No matter the excuses, I would never forgive this.”
Ultimately, all one hopes for is for the mental wellbeing of Joao Cancelo and his loved ones, who were on the receiving end of a truly appalling act.
Topics: Joao Cancelo, Fernandinho, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Srinivas Sadhanand