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      Kevin De Bruyne’s 70-acre mansion ransacked by burglars as Manchester City star was training in Saudi Arabia

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      MANCHESTER City star Kevin De Bruyne’s home in Belgium was reportedly ransacked by robbers during a break-in on Saturday.The footballing ace, his wife Michèle and their three children were not at the property during the burglary at his 70-acre mansion.
      The robbers took various items from De Bruyne’s luxury estateCredit: Sky Sports
      None of the football star’s family were home at the time of the break-in
      Belgian news outlet HLN said that various items had been taken from the secluded property in Bolderberg, but no further details were released.
      The robbers allegedly used a stepladder to reach the first floor and get inside.
      De Bruyne, 32, bought the sprawling estate in 2015, which now has a pool, jacuzzi and basketball court.
      HLN reported that De Bruyne and his family rarely use the property as they spend most of their time at their pad in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
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      The Belgian midfielder had flown to Saudi Arabia with his City teammates ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday evening after a 2-2 Premier League draw with Crystal Palace.
      He missed the match due to a hamstring injury but still departed as part of Pep Guardiola’s 23-man squad to the Middle East.
      The injury required surgery but hopes are growing that the City legend will return to action soon.
      Over the weekend, he said: “It’s going really well. I had surgery – it was a big injury. But we’re getting closer – closer to the new year.”
      Most read in Football
      City are gearing up to play Japan’s Urawa Reds in their semi-final clash on Tuesday.
      De Bruyne and his wife, Michèle, 30, have been together since 2014 and tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Italy in 2017.
      In a 2019 interview with The Players’ Tribune, Kevin explained that his wife was the most important person in his life. wife.
      “[She] changed my life in so many ways. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without her,” he said.
      The couple have three young children together – Mason, 7, Rome, 5, and Suri, 3.
      Last year, De Bruyne called Michèle the “best mommy” in a touching Instagram post.
      The 30-year-old stunner doesn’t seem to miss a game and the whole family are frequently snapped on the pitch after City’s big wins.
      After her husband won his fifth Premier League championship, Michèle wrote: “No words”, along with pictures of them embracing on the field.
      The glamorous couple first got together in 2014
      The pair tied the knot in 2017 and now have three kids
      De Bruyne is still out of action with a thigh injuryCredit: Getty More

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      Mega-rich Premier League club ‘wants to make us homeless’ to build huge stadium – we won’t be swayed by their millions

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      RESIDENTS say a Premier League club “want to make us homeless” so a huge stadium can be built, but they won’t be swayed by their millions.The Grade-I listed Leazes Terrace, which dates back to the 19th century, in Newcastle sits just metres away from the East Stand of St James’ Park, where the Magpies play their home matches next to the city centre.
      Leazes terrace, left, is next door to Newcastle’s East StandCredit: NNP
      Resident Philip Griffiths is ‘concerned’ what may happen to the flatsCredit: NNP
      Just a road separates St James’ Park and the terrace propertiesCredit: NNP
      Residents in the flats are worried the historical building could be demolished to make way for a bigger football stadium.
      But locals say they’re no further forward about the future of their homes after rumours circulated they could make way in order for Newcastle United to expand the 52,000-seater ground.
      Earlier this month, the club sent out a survey to its fans asking for their take on how to enhance the stadium itself.
      The Newcastle faithful were asked to give their thoughts on a number of issues, including stadium expansion, a new stadium being built, hospitality and club suites, ticket pricing, matchday offerings and other aspects such as if they would be willing to attend concerts at the ground in the future.
      Read More on Newcastle United
      The move comes after the club brought experts in to conduct a feasibility study to look into every possibility of stadium expansion and enhance the matchday experience.
      The flats, which were built in the 1830s, are made up of a rectangular shape with student accommodation on the side closest to the stadium and private residencies at the other end.
      Rumours suggested the football club could pursue a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the flats, or alternatively the residents could be “bought out” if they agree to accept a sum of cash.
      Semi-retired doctor Philip Griffiths, 66, said: “I know potentially that we can be bought out but I don’t think that would be easy.
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      “We are aware there are plans to extend the stadium here, or to move it somewhere else.
      “There are lots of crazy rumours swirling around including knocking down the student side and bringing the football stand closer to our door.
      “I also heard about the potential for a Compulsory Purchase Order to be made but I think there are precedents for listed buildings being purchased and I think they would have to keep the facade.
      “I have no complaints to the football club and they have been better neighbours since they were taken over but it does make you concerned.
      “The worst-case scenario for us is them keeping our side as it is, but demolishing the student flats next to the stand to make the ground bigger.
      “That would mean the ground would almost be in our back garden.”
      One resident, who has lived in the stone terrace for over a decade, said nobody knows what the future holds.
      Wishing to remain anonymous, he said: “Nobody has told us anything about what might happen to Leazes Terrace.
      “People have asked about what we think of the new proposed development but no one has informed us as residents which isn’t helpful.
      “The building has been here longer than the football club and it’s a listed building.
      “Even if the company bought us out, I don’t know if they could demolish the building.”
      The section of student accommodation was sold to a Middle Eastern group which sparked rumours among some Newcastle supporters that the residents could be bought out given the club’s ownership links to Saudi Arabia.
      The homeowner added: “The whole thing makes you wonder if discussions are going on behind your back because we haven’t heard anything from the club or the council.
      “Most people like living here and I think it’s a lovely terrace.
      “Newcastle hasn’t got many buildings like this so as a resident of the city it would be a huge shame if something happened to it.
      “I believe the football club have got some sort of investment in the student side of the building but we just don’t know.
      “It’s a lovely place to live and we don’t get any trouble with the football matches so we don’t want to be moved.”
      Andy Cliff, 32, who works in IT, said: “The only plan I was aware of was a bridge going across from the stadium to another building.
      “I have no idea about plans to affect Leazes Terrace but it would be concerning if the building was at risk.
      “But I would be surprised if that was be possible due to the nature of the building and its historic value.
      “I don’t take any notice of when the football is on so I’m not in the loop with their plans but as a resident I’ve not heard anything.
      “It’s a great location to live and it’s so close to the city centre and it would be slightly worrying but I don’t think it will get to that point.”
      Another woman, who’s lived on the row for over 20 years, said: “As far as I’m aware the building is a Grade-I listed building so I don’t think they can do anything.
      “They tried many years ago but an elderly woman fought it and she won.
      “I love living here so if someone wanted to offer me zillions of pounds over the asking price then brilliant, but I think that is very unlikely.
      “I’m a Newcastle United supporter myself so I’m not against extending the stadium but I’m not worried about the future of these homes.
      “I would be concerned if expanding the stadium blocked out our natural light but deep down I don’t think they can really move us.”
      A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “The debate about the future of St James Park has gone on for many years – all the way back to the days of Sir John Hall when there was talk about it moving to the protected Leazes Park.
      “The club own the Strawberry Place site, but we have not been formally approached by them about any plans for expansion.
      “They have said publicly they are committed to St James Park, and without doubt its location in the heart of the city centre is one of its greatest strengths, close to hotels, public transport and easy to access.
      “In planning terms, it is a challenging site – close to a conservation area and listed buildings on one side and a Metro station and tunnels on the other.
      Read more on The Sun
      “That said, the city council would like to see the club remain where it is because culturally and socially it is the beating heart of the city, and we will support the club as much as we can.”
      The Sun Online has contacted Newcastle United for comment.
      Leazes Terrace is a Grade-I listed buildingCredit: NNP
      The club is hoping to expand the ground, which has left residents worried about the futureCredit: NNP More

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      Ligue 1 title winner’s home ransacked for SECOND TIME while playing match as burglars steal pair of expensive watches

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      FRENCH title winner Yusuf Yazici has had his home ransacked by burglars – while on European duty.The Turkey international converted a penalty as Lille beat Klaksvik 3-0 in the Conference League on Thursday.
      Yusuf Yazici’s house was burgled while he was playing for Lille on ThursdayCredit: Reuters
      Yusuf Yazici lives with his partnerCredit: Instagram @yusufyazici
      But raiders broke into the 26-year-old’s home during the game and stole two high-value watches, clothes and leather goods.
      It was the second burglary suffered by Yazici since joining the northern French club in 2019.
      The striker helped Lille win the Ligue 1 title in 2021. He has seven goals from 21 games this season.
      Manchester United watched him play for Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor on 2019.
      Read More on Football
      Meanwhile Nottingham Forest and Fulham weighed up bids for Yazici two summers ago.
      He is back at Lille following loan spells with CSKA Moscow and hometown club Trabzonspor.
      But the latest setback could prompt him to quit Les Dogues – opening the way to a Premier League move.
      Yazici has won 41 senior caps for Turkey, scoring three goals.
      Most read in Football
      So far this season the midfielder has scored seven goals and provided one assist in 21 appearances for his club.
      Lille next face Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. More

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      We live in the shadow of Crystal Palace FC’s stadium… we have to move cars every match day & only get a day’s notice

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      A RESIDENT living in the shadows of one of the most sacred football stadiums has shared her agonising parking experience, saying it is “really hard on match days”. For the past eight years, Caroline has been living opposite the towering main stand of Crystal Palace FC’s stadium, and the inconvenience she faces on match days is incomparable.
      A resident of Holmesdale Road has shared her painful parking experience during match days in Crystal Palace FC’s stadiumCredit: Harrison Galliven/LDRS
      Locals say they have to remove their cars on very short notice to accommodate large crowdsCredit: Harrison Galliven/LDRS
      Selhurst Park Stadium is the home ground for Crystal Palace FCCredit: Rex
      She says the street where she lives – Holmesdale Road – sees the most footfall on match days with thousands of fans lining up on the road to get in and out of the ground.
      And to make things smooth, Croydon Council requires residents at the top of the road to move their cars for the duration of the matches – or face a parking ticket.
      But this has turned out to become a huge nightmare for the residents of the street.
      Caroline says it gets really difficult to park on match days – and she even gets parking tickets on top of it.
      crystal palace fc news
      After removing her car from the busy street on a match day, she says she has to find a new spot to park her car – and it gets really inconvenient.
      And what is usually a 15-minute routine apparently becomes a two-hour nightmare.
      Caroline told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “It’s really hard to park on match days. I get annoyed that I get parking tickets.
      “They tell us there’s a game coming up with two days’ notice.
      Most read in Football
      “Six months ago I got a ticket once despite asking if it was okay to leave the car there for half an hour, and they said it was fine.
      “But I got a ticket for £65. the council said they wouldn’t help me.
      “They washed their hands of it.”
      Another resident of the area, Osama, said: “They make you move the cars, and around the corner, you used to be able to park on both sides.
      “For some reason, they have just stopped that. Now it’s only on certain parts of the road and if you park in the wrong area you get a ticket, which I think is just silly.”
      Most of the residents living on the street complain about the short notices that are given to them before they need to remove their cars – and it is generally just a day before a big match.
      Crystal Palace recently announced a long-awaited development of the main stand is set, with works likely to begin next year.
      The expansion will see the stadium’s capacity increase from 26,000 to 34,000.
      This will further increase the problems of overcrowding in the area, especially on Holmesdale Road.
      A spokesperson from Crystal Palace told MyLondon: “The Club consulted local residents extensively on its proposals for the Main Stand with more than 400 people coming to view the plans and hundreds more engaging through the website, fan forums and on social media.
      “More than 85 per cent of the local community supported the principle of the redevelopment of the stand, which will bring enormous economic benefits to the surrounding area, and the Club is committed to an ongoing dialogue with residents about all aspects of the project.”
      Read more on The Sun
      While residents have been really annoyed because of the consequences of such big crowds entering and exiting the arena, most of them have a positive outlook on the stadium – and unsurprisingly support Crystal FC.
      The Sun has approached Selhurst Park Stadium for a comment on the matter.
      Crystal Palace recently announced a long-awaited development that will increase the stadium’s capacity from 26,000 to 34,000Credit: Harrison Galliven/LDRS More

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      Champions League and World Cup star who sparked manhunt after retiring loses fight over £6million loss in housing empire

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      EX-LIVERPOOL right-back Steve Finnan who once triggered a bizarre manhunt has lost a legal battle to claim £6 million in compensation.The 47-year-old – briefly untraceable in 2015 – blamed lawyers for the collapse of the housing empire he built with brother, Sean.
      Ex-Liverpool right-back Steve Finnan has lost a legal battle to claim £6 million in compensationCredit: PA:Press Association
      It turned out to be a disaster and the pair fell out leaving Mr Finnan, who is Irish, alleging to be more than £6 million out of pocket.
      Representing himself in court he sued former lawyers Charles Russell Speechlys LLP.
      But this week the case was kicked out by High Court judge Master Katherine McQuail.
      She said the ex-footballer couldn’t prove he was any worse off after seeking legal advice than he would have been otherwise.
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      The Irishman was in the Reds lineup which clawed back the legendary 2005 Champions League final win against AC Milan in Istanbul.
      Finnan is the only footballer to play in the World Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, Intertoto Cup, all four levels of English league football and the conference.
      But in June 2005 he was arrested after running over an 81-year-old man from Liverpool who later died from his injuries.
      After retiring in 2010, his decision to keep a low profile saw fans launch a bizarre campaign to find him.
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      It came as organisers failed to track him down for a 2015 reunion of the Champions League winning team – he was found “safe and well” a short time later.
      Unlike former teammates such as Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, Finnan had gone into property not punditry.
      He bankrolled a south west London-based property business, run through two companies which he owned with Sean, who managed the firm.
      Among the portfolio was a massive house near Wimbledon Common, properties in nearby Ridgeway Place, and several flats elsewhere.
      Master McQuail said the “first expression of the claimant’s concerns” about the business had come in an email from Mr Finnan to the companies’ solicitor in 2016.
      She said he complained that despite “significant funding from the claimant by way of loans, the companies appeared to have no money, at least in part because Sean had spent it personally.”
      He said money had been wasted on legal issues which were “down to Sean”, that his brother’s dealings with a contractor had been “needlessly expensive” and that there was a risk the companies would default on loans.
      Mr Finnan instructed Charles Russell Speechlys to file “unfair prejudice” petitions against Sean who denied misconduct but admitted their relationship had broken down.
      He changed lawyers but the case did not go to trial and the brothers settled outside court, with Sean agreeing to transfer his shares to Mr Finnan and to pay him £4 million.
      That sum was not paid and in 2019 Mr Finnan had his brother made bankrupt claiming he only got £187,570 from the sale of the company and £89,345 following the sale of another property.
      Amid the ordeal he auctioned off his Champions League winners’ medal.
      Mr Finnan went on to sue his former solicitors, claiming that he should have been advised to request repayment of director’s loans rather than file the “unfair prejudice” petitions.
      He claimed he lost £3.3m in loans to the companies, £2.6m in shares, about £400,000 in lawyers’ bills, as well as other money, totalling more than £6m.
      But the solicitors said Mr Finnan was determined to pursue legal proceedings against his brother.
      And they said Mr Finnan failed to show how he could have got out from the ordeal in any better position than he in fact did because companies had no money to repay the loans anyway.
      Master McQuail said Mr Finnan had in fact made demands for repayment of the directors’ loans – and got nothing.
      She added: “Neither Sean nor the companies responded by meeting the demands with payment at any stage after Charles Russell Speechlys were instructed.”
      She said Mr Finnan’s claims were “contradicted” by his own evidence and his correspondence showed this.
      Master McQuail added how there was “no reasonable ground” for bringing the claim and struck it out.
      Read more on The Sun
      Limerick-born Mr Finnan began his career with non-league Welling United, rising through the football pyramid to play for Liverpool between 2003 and 2008.
      He played for Ireland 52 times. More

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      I have a perfect view of the pitch at a top stadium from my SOFA – it’s like living in my very own corporate box

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      A MAN who lives next to a stadium has a perfect view of the pitch – and he doesn’t even need to get off his sofa.Writer and stand-up comedian Richard Cobb has the best seat in the house every time AFC Wimbledon play at home.
      Richard Cobb has the best seat in the house every time AFC Wimbledon playCredit: TikTok /@therichardcobb
      His flat overlooks the club’s brand new Cherry Red Records StadiumCredit: TikTok /@therichardcobb
      Although a Hearts supporter, his flat overlooks the club’s brand new Cherry Red Records Stadium on Plough Lane.
      Richard took to TikTok to share a video of the near-perfect view of the south west London stadium.
      The footage shows the ground ahead of the League Two outfit’s clash with eighth-tier Ramsgate in the second round of the FA Cup.
      Richard films pre-match coverage on ITV4 on his TV before swivelling the camera to reveal his front room window overlooks the football pitch.
      Read more Sports News
      The video, captioned “ITV are in my garden”, has received 30,000 likes and nearly a million views.
      And fans were quick to comment on the viral post, with one saying: “Do you pay window license to watch live match?”
      Another suggested: “I’d be tempted to make money on the side, advertising the room as a hospitality box during games.”
      Richard replied: “Not sure a quarter bottle of Lidl blackcurrant juice and a leftover Mini Eggs Easter Egg will be adequate half-time cuisine.”
      Most read in Football
      A third person wrote: “Class that like you’ve got yourself self a free season ticket.”
      The Plough Lane stadium’s completion marked an emotional return for a football club that had been torn away from its natural home since 2002.
      That was the year the Football Association agreed the old Wimbledon F.C. could relocate 60 miles north to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire to prevent it from going bankrupt.
      The players were dubbed the ‘crazy gang’ in the 1980s because of their FA Cup winning heroics – upsetting Liverpool in the 1988 final – and the antics of club heroes like midfield hardman Vinnie Jones.
      It comes after lifelong supporters David Kenwery and Liam Nolan bought a fourth floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat off-plan built within the grounds.
      Meanwhile neighbours fear their lives will be made even worse by boozy fans after AFC Wimbledon was given permission to serve alcohol all day.
      Richard took to TikTok to share a video of the near-perfect viewCredit: TikTok /@therichardcobb
      Blocks of flats adjoin the AFC Wimbledon stadium in south west LondonCredit: Getty More

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      Inside horror ‘pro hit’ on Kurt Zouma’s home by ‘organised gang’ who blindsided security to steal £100k in jewels & cash

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      NEIGHBOURS of Kurt Zouma have told of their horror after his home was broken into by an “organised gang” who escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.The “highly professional” masked gang ransacked the held the West Ham captain’s home after striking just before midnight on Saturday while he was at home with his young family.
      Kurt Zouma was dramatically robbed
      Zouma had been home with wife Sandra and their kidsCredit: Instagram
      The break-in led to Zouma missing his team’s 1-1 Prem draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday – and saw cops warning neighbours about the organised gang.
      And yesterday, West Ham revealed the club was offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the gang’s capture.
      Zouma, 29 – who is married to wife Sandra, Mum to his four young children – and his family had items of “significant value” and “sentimental importance” stolen from their £3million Essex home, the club said.
      And yesterday, neighbours on Zouma’s plush road told The Sun cops warned them the raiders were “no amateurs”.
      MORE ON ZOUMA
      One neighbour – who was visited by officers on Sunday – said: “We don’t know much about what happened, apart from the fact there was a break-in on Saturday night.
      “We heard it was a burglary and the family were home at the time.
      “There was one police car outside afterwards but they stayed there with the family for a few hours.
      “I think the burglars were quite experienced.
      Most read in Football
      “Officers came round on Sunday and told us that the burglars were professionals. They said we want to tell you that they were not amateurs.
      “They said the break-in had been on the ground floor and to watch out for that. We think that they came in through the back garden.
      “We have security on this road – a guard that patrols here day and night and he was only parked a few driveways away when the break-in happened.
      “He can only see the front so if he didn’t see anything they must have got in through the back.”
      In a statement, Zouma’s Club said: “West Ham United has offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of burglars who broke into defender Kurt Zouma’s home on the eve of the Club’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this weekend.
      “Kurt’s home was broken into on Saturday while all his family were in the house, leaving everyone present extremely distressed. While thankfully no one was harmed, it was a traumatic experience for the West Ham United defender, his wife and their young family.
      “The burglars took items of significant value and of huge personal and sentimental importance to the family.
      “The West Ham United family continue to offer Kurt’s family their full support.”
      Police raced to the detached £3million home– on an exclusive street where well-heeled neighbours hire private security – and stayed with the family for hours after Saturday night’s raid.
      Last February, The Sun revealed how Zouma has been caught on video slapping and kicking his cat last February – leading to a prosecution.
      Ex-Chelsea star issued a grovelling apology for actions after he was handed community service and fined.
      In the run-up to the club’s London derby against Palace on Sunday, West Ham said Zouma was unavailable for “personal reasons”.
      They did not elaborate on why he was missing from the match – as he stayed away to comfort his family.
      One resident on his street said they were not home at the time – but were aware of the break-in and had been warned to “stay vigilant”.
      The robbers are understood to have escaped with jewellery including high-end watches.
      Zouma – who has 11 caps for France – is married to wife Sandra, who he first met when they were teenagers in Lyon.
      They revealed in July they had welcomed their fourth child together.
      The £30 million star is the latest in a long line of footballers – including Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba and Joao Cancelo – to be targeted by professional robbery gangs.
      A source said: “This was an extremely worrying attack and left Kurt and his family traumatised.
      “They were an aggressive and organised gang – and the house was completely ransacked.
      “Kurt and the family were put through a horrific ordeal, and are still struggling to speak about what happened.
      “Everyone at the club immediately knew it was incredibly serious – as he would not have missed a game otherwise.
      “But the raid is why he was not available on Sunday.
      How Zouma joins other football stars targeted by robbers
      December, 2021: Man City defender Joao Cancelo shares a picture of his battered and bruised face after he confronted four raiders who targeted his home in Hale while he was there with his family
      March 2022: Then-Man Utd star Paul Pogba’s home in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester is raided as he plays for the Red Devils in their home Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
      January 2022: Swedish defender Victor Lindelof’s home in Hale is targeted as he is in action for Man Utd away at Brentford. His terrified wife Maja locked herself and two young sons in a bathroom as intruders raided their house.
      January 2022: Ex -Man Utd star Jesse Lingard falls prey to ‘away day’ robbers who steal more than £100,000 of clothes and jewellery from his home in Bowdon, Greater Manchester as he plays for the club at Aston Villa.
      September 2022 – Then- Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was at his Cheshire home with Little Mix fiancée Perrie Edwards and their young son when burglars broke in
      December 2022 – Chelsea ace Raheem Sterling jets home from the Qatar World Cup after raiders struck at his Surrey home.

      “It is a terrible thing to have happened – and everyone at the club is offering him their full support.
      “The player’s family are too scared to stay at the house – and have already talked of needing to move.
      “Kurt is a family man and in shock. He is worried about protecting his family.”
      West Ham’s Joint Chairman David Sullivan previously put up a £250,000 reward when a burglar broke into his £7.5 million Essex mansion while he was on holiday in In June 2017.
      The raider – believed to be the ‘Essex Spiderman’ who had targeted around 50 other properties – is believed to have been scared off by a high-tech alarm system and fled empty-handed.
      Last night, Mr Sullivan, 74, urged anyone with information about the burglars who targeted Zouma’s family to come forward.
      He said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone connected to West Ham United are with Kurt and his family. To have someone break into your home is a terrifying experience and I hope this reward will help bring the individuals to justice and prevent others from going through a similar ordeal.”
      Essex Police told The Sun: “We were called shortly after 11.50pm on Saturday 2 December to reports of a burglary in west Essex.
      “It was reported suspects had gained entry to an address, before taking items including jewellery and watches.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Our investigation into this incident is continuing.”
      •Anyone who has any relevant information should email confidential@westhamunited.co.uk with as much detail as possible, which will then be shared with the police.
      The horror comes just weeks after wife Sandra gave birth to their fourth childCredit: Instagram
      She recently shared a picture of their newest child at West HamCredit: Instagram More

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      Kurt Zouma terrified as raiders ‘steal £100k in cash and jewellery’ from West Ham star’s home while family were inside

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      FOOTIE ace Kurt Zouma was left terrified after armed raiders broke into his family home and escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.The gang ransacked the West Ham captain’s house after striking on Saturday night while he was at home with his young family.
      Kurt Zouma was dramatically robbedCredit: Getty
      The horror comes just weeks after wife Sandra gave birth to their fourth childCredit: Instagram
      The break-in led to Zouma, 29, missing his team’s 1-1 Prem draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday – and saw cops warning neighbours about the gang.
      West Ham today revealed the club was offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the gang’s capture.
      Police raced to the detached £3million home – on an exclusive street where well-heeled neighbours hire private security – and stayed with the family for hours after Saturday night’s raid.
      The robbers are understood to have escaped with jewellery including high-end watches. 
      Read more news
      A source said: “This was an extremely worrying attack and left Kurt and his family traumatised.
      “They were an aggressive and organised gang – and the house was completely ransacked.
      “Kurt and the family were put through an horrific ordeal, and are still struggling to speak about what happened.
      “Everyone at the club immediately knew it was incredibly serious – as he would not have missed a game otherwise.
      Most read in Football
      “But the raid is why he was not available on Sunday.
      “It is a terrible thing to have happened – and everyone at the club is offering him their full support.
      “The player’s family are too scared to stay at the house – and have already talked of needing to move.
      “Kurt is a family man and in shock. He is worried about protecting his family.”
      In the run-up to the club’s London derby against Palace on Sunday, West Ham said Zouma was unavailable for “personal reasons”.
      They did not elaborate on why he was missing from the match – as he stayed away to comfort his family.
      In a statement, the club said: “West Ham United has offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of burglars who broke into defender Kurt Zouma’s home on the eve of the Club’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this weekend.
      “Kurt’s home was broken into on Saturday while all his family were in the house, leaving everyone present extremely distressed. While thankfully no one was harmed, it was a traumatic experience for the West Ham United defender, his wife and their young family. 
      “The burglars took items of significant value and of huge personal and sentimental importance to the family.
      “The West Ham United family continue to offer Kurt’s family their full support.”
      The French international is married to Sandra Zouma, who he first met when they were teenagers in Lyon.
      They revealed in July that they had welcomed their fourth child together.
      Last February, The Sun revealed how Zouma has been caught on video slapping and kicking his cat last February – leading to a prosecution.
      The ex-Chelsea star later issued a grovelling apology for his actions.
      How Zouma joins other football stars targeted by robbers
      December, 2021: Man City defender Joao Cancelo shares a picture of his battered and bruised face after he confronted four raiders who targeted his home in Hale while he was there with his family
      March 2022: Then-Man Utd star Paul Pogba’s home in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester is raided as he plays for the Red Devils in their home Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
      January 2022: Swedish defender Victor Lindelof’s home in Hale is targeted as he is in action for Man Utd away at Brentford. His terrified wife Maja locked herself and two young sons in a bathroom as intruders raided their house.
      January 2022: Ex -Man Utd star Jesse Lingard falls prey to ‘away day’ robbers who steal more than £100,000 of clothes and jewellery from his home in Bowdon, Greater Manchester as he plays for the club at Aston Villa.
      September 2022 – Then- Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was at his Cheshire home with Little Mix fiancée Perrie Edwards and their young son when burglars broke in
      December 2022 – Chelsea ace Raheem Sterling jets home from the Qatar World Cup after raiders struck at his Surrey home.

      The £30million star is the latest in a long line of footballers – including Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba and Joao Cancelo – to be targeted by professional robbery gangs.
      West Ham’s Joint Chairman David Sullivan encouraged anyone with information relating to the identity of the burglars to come forward.
      He said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone connected to West Ham United are with Kurt and his family.
      “To have someone break into your home is a terrifying experience and I hope this reward will help bring the individuals to justice and prevent others from going through a similar ordeal.”
      Essex Police told The Sun: “We were called shortly after 11.50pm on Saturday 2 December to reports of a burglary in west Essex.
      “It was reported suspects had gained entry to an address, before taking items including jewellery and watches.
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      “Our investigation into this incident is continuing.”
      Anyone who has any relevant information should email confidential@westhamunited.co.uk with as much detail as possible, which will then be shared with the police.
      Zouma was forced to miss West Ham’s clash with Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      The footballer has been with Sandra since they were teenagers in FranceCredit: Instagram
      She recently shared a picture of their newest child at West HamCredit: Instagram More