Victor Lindelof’s family were left terrified after his Manchester home was broken into while he was on field playing in a Premier League match.
While the Manchester United defender was playing in his team’s 3-1 win against Brentford on Wednesday evening, his wife and children were hiding from the intruders.
The Swedish footballer’s wife said the family “managed to hide and lock ourselves in a room before they entered our house”.
Lindelof did not find out what had happened until after the Premier League match.
A statement from Manchester United said: “We can confirm that a break-in occurred at Victor Lindelof’s house during the away game against Brentford.
“His family, who were at home at the time, were unhurt but clearly shaken.
“This was a distressing experience for them, and for Victor when he learned of it after the game, and the club is providing them with our full support.
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“We encourage anyone with information about the crime to contact the police.”
On Instagram, Lindelof’s wife Maja said: “During Victor’s game this Wednesday night we had a break-in at our house in Manchester.
“I was home alone with both kids but we managed to hide and lock ourselves in a room before they entered our house.
“We are OK under the circumstances but it was obviously a very traumatic and scary moment for both and my little kids.
“We are now in Sweden and are spending some time off with our families.”
Lindelof will now spend time with his family in Sweden and not play in Saturday’s match against West Ham, Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick said.
“I spoke with him at length on our flight back home from London and also this morning. We spoke for 20 or 25 minutes, he told me what actually happened,” Rangnick told reporters.
“This was a traumatic event, especially for his wife and three-year-old son. He said to me right now he needs to stay at home, he doesn’t want to leave his wife and family on their own.
“I can fully understand, being a father of two children myself. We agreed he will not be on duty tomorrow for the game.”