Lucas Torreira presses charges after assault in Istanbul
Former Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is pressing charges after being assaulted outside a cafe in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district by a man allegedly driven by jealousy over the footballer’s relationship, reports BritPanorama.
The 30-year-old Galatasaray star was struck in the head following what appeared to be a normal interaction with supporters seeking photographs. According to reports, the alleged attacker had been waiting outside a shopping centre, planning the ambush on the Uruguayan international.
Police have identified the suspect only as YY, and authorities confirmed he would appear before a court. Torreira described the incident in a statement to police, saying, “A man came up to me and said he wanted to take a picture with me. After taking a picture with him, I saw another man approaching, and I thought he also wanted to take a picture.” He added that he did not understand what was happening when he was struck.
After the attack, Torreira’s driver and friend intervened to protect him. He recounted, “After separating us, the person got into a taxi and tried to drive away. I did not physically assault this person in any way.” He expressed confusion over the motivations of his attacker, stating he had never seen him before.
Torreira complained of a headache following the incident and stated, “I want to submit my reports to you, the officials. I am filing a complaint and pressing charges against the person in question who assaulted me and caused my injuries.” He reported visible injuries, including “redness between his left eyebrow and eye.” It has also emerged that the suspect had previously been issued a restraining order for harassing Torreira’s girlfriend and had made threats against the former Arsenal star on social media.
Torreira played 63 times for Arsenal during his spell in North London, which included loan moves to Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina. He completed a move to Galatasaray in 2022, having played over 100 times for the Turkish side, where he has won both the Turkish Cup and Super Cup.
This unsettling incident adds to the complexities surrounding the lives of professional athletes, illustrating how personal matters can occasionally spill into public scrutiny.
