ANGEL DI MARIA left PSG’s stadium in tears after he was substituted by Mauricio Pochettino following news of a violent robbery at his home.
The Argentine was hooked in the 62nd minute of the game against Nantes on Sunday after reports of a serious break-in.
Mauricio Pochettino walked Angel Di Maria down the tunnelCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sporting director Leandro was caught shouting down to Pochettino on TVCredit: Canal+
Di Maria with his wife Jorgelina and daughter
Initial reports pointed to members of his family being held hostage, although it later emerged Di Maria’s wife and two daughters had been upstairs when the break-in occurred and only found out about it afterwards.
Sporting director Leonardo was caught on TV taking a phone call in the second-half before shouting down to Poch, who brought on Leandro Paredes for Di Maria.
The former Spurs boss then informed his compatriot of the shocking developments as he walked him down the tunnel and RMC reports Di Maria was tearful as he immediately left the Parc des Princes.
The French outlet suggests the incident turned ‘extremely violent’.
Marca later confirmed the family were unharmed but were held captive in a terrifying ordeal.
Ex-Manchester United ace Di Maria, 33, is married to Jorgelina and the couple have two young girls.
PSG lost the game 2-1 but the result – which keeps them three points behind Ligue 1 leaders Lille – was completely overshadowed by the off-field horrors.
After the game, Pochettino said: “There is the disappointment of having lost three points, but the group was concerned about things that you are probably already aware of.
“Situations outside of football exist and can explain the second half.
“It is not an excuse, but it prompted a drop in energy levels. At half-time, we were talking about things other than football.”
Leandro appeared to be told of the news on a phone call before relaying the messageCredit: Canal+
Di Maria left the field to be told of his family’s nightmare break-inCredit: AFP or licensors
Another violent burglary was also reported on Sunday with Di Maria’s team-mate Marquinhos’ parents the victims.
Unlike the ex-Benfica man, the Brazilian defender played the full game.
Di Maria has previously suffered at the hands of thieves after three armed thugs tried to smash their way into his Chesire mansion when he was at United.
He is believed to have been eating with his wife and daughter at the time of the frightening intrusion.
Di Maria and Marquinhos are the latest PSG stars to be targeted after Mauro Icardi had £350,000 worth of items stolen in January.
Keeper Sergio Rico saw roughly £22,000 worth of belongings looted in a separate raid earlier this year.
Both players were on duty with the club at away games at the time of the incidents.
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Angel Di Maria’s ‘home burgled and family held hostage’ during PSG game
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
