Manchester United youngster Tahith Chong has taken to social media to confirm reports he was 'held at knifepoint' by masked gang members following a home invasion on his Greater Manchester property earlier in the year.
The Sun reports how three balaclava-clad invaders broke into the 22-year-old's Sale property while he was asleep at 3am back in January, before holding knives up against his throat. It is believed the raiders demanded Chong hand over his prized possessions, including jewellery, watches and women’s designer bags.
Taking to social media on Sunday morning, the academy graduate wrote: "Good morning to everyone. Yesterday there was a report that came out as terrifying as the article may sound, I am doing fine and this was a few months back, so not as some reported last night. Thankyou for all the messages and happy Mother's Day to everyone," followed by a love heart emoji.
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The report even claimed the invaders openly mocked the Birmingham City loanee over his poor security at the property as they carried out the raid.
United declined to comment on the incident involving Chong, but a club source reiterated: "We are working with our players to review and strengthen the security around their homes."
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.
The Dutch winger is the latest Manchester-based footballer to have been targeted by criminal gangs in the North West since Christmas.
Earlier in the month, Paul Pogba's home was raided while he played against Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford in the Champions League on March 15.
Pogba posted a statement on his Twitter profile following the incident, which read: "Last night our family's worst nightmare was realised when our home was broken into and burglarised while our babies were sleeping in their bedroom.
"The burglars were in our home for less than five minutes, but in that time they took something more valuable than anything we had in our home... our sense of safety and security.
"This occurred during the final minutes of last night's match when they knew we would not be home. My wife and I rushed home not knowing if our children were safe and unharmed. As a father, there is no worse feeling in this world than not being there to protect your children. I sincerely hope no-one ever has to feel what I felt last night."
In January, both Victor Lindelof and Jesse Lingard were also targeted while they were in first-team action for United.
Lindelof saw his home invaded while he was playing for United against Brentford on January 19, four days after Lingard had been robbed of £100,000-worth of clothes and jewellery while he played for United at Aston Villa.
In December, Man City star Joao Cancelo was at home when raiders struck at his home in Hale.
The Portuguese defender posted pictures of his cut and bruised face after he bravely confronted the gang.
Cancelo posted on Instagram: "Unfortunately I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family. When you show resistance this is what happens.
“They managed to take all my jewellery and leave me with my face with this state. The most important thing for me is my family and luckily they are all OK.”
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