Former Inter Milan and Napoli footballer Massimo Tarantino insists he is “no hero” after reportedly helping to disarm the attacker during a fatal supermarket stabbing incident in which Arsenal’s Pablo Mari was harmed.
Five people were stabbed during a harrowing incident at an Italian shopping centre in Assago, a suburb of Milan, on Thursday after a man grabbed a kitchen knife from a shelf and began attacking.
Authorities say a Carrefour supermarket employee died en route to hospital, with three others in serious condition and another person treated for shock.
Arsenal defender Mari, who is currently on loan in Serie A at Monza, is set to undergo surgery at Niguarda Hospital on Friday after suffering a deep cut to his back during the attack.
Mari, who had been out shopping with his wife and son, is conscious and stable and his injuries are not life-threatening.
Reports from multiple Italian outlets including Milan newspaper Corriere della Sera claim that Tarantino was among the first to intervene and, along with other bystanders, helped to disarm and immobilise the attacker, who was quickly arrested by police.
However, the 51-year-old - a former defender for multiple Italian top-flight clubs including Napoli and Inter who currently manages Serie B side Spal after spells at Pavia, Bologna and Roma - said he is no hero despite his brave actions in the face of serious danger.
“He was shouting ‘stop, stop’,” Tarantino said of the attacker, per the Italian press. “I did nothing, I am not a hero.”
