Italian football legend Roberto Baggio has been hospitalized after he was injured in an armed robbery at his home in northern Italy.
The incident happened when at least five people broke into the his house in Altavilla Vicentina.
The veteran footballer was taken to an emergency room in Arzignano and was treated with stiches to his forehead after one burglar hit him with a gun.
In his first public address since the incident, Baggio thanked well wishers, adding: “Now all that remains is to overcome the fear.”
According to reports the violent incident took place while Baggio and his family were watching Italy take on Spain in the European Championships.
The incident reportedly went on for roughly 40 minutes.
Baggio is said to have tried to stop the burglars, but one of the thieves hit him on the forehead with a gun.
Shortly after, he and his family were locked in a room while the culprits tore the house apart searching for valuables. It is unclear how much was taken in the robbery.
His family is said to be shaken by the incident in the Veneto region, but not injured.
Known as “Divin Codino” (the divine ponytail) during his playing career, Baggio led his side to a World Cup final in the US in 1994.
But he missed the decisive penalty in the shootout, which gave Brazil their fourth World Cup victory.
He went on to play for both AC Milan and Inter Milan, before retiring in 2004. He remains the only Italian to score at three World Cups and remains their joint top goal scorer in the competition.
Italian Football Legend Roberto Baggio Hospitalized After Robbery Attack In His House
