Former Arsenal star Lucas Torreira is pursuing legal action in Turkey after being attacked at a shopping centre by a man reportedly jealous of his relationship. The 30-year-old Uruguayan midfielder, who joined Galatasaray from Arsenal in 2022, was assaulted outside a cafe in Istanbul's Beyoglu district on Tuesday, May 12.
Details of the Attack
Torreira had been taking photos with fans when the alleged assailant approached him. According to reports, the suspect had been waiting outside the shopping centre and planned the attack. Torreira told police that his friend and driver intervened, with the driver punching the man to separate them. Both the suspect, identified as YY by police, and Torreira's driver were detained, and an investigation has been launched.
Torreira's Statement
In a statement to police, Torreira said, '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. After he got close, he suddenly punched me in the left side of my head. I didn't understand what was happening. I tried to defend myself, and my driver and my friend came to my aid to protect me and remove the individual from the scene. After separating us, the person got into a taxi and tried to drive away. I did not physically assault this person in any way.'
Torreira added, 'I don't know why he did something like that, I've never seen him before. Following the incident, I went to the hospital for a check-up and I want to submit my reports to you, the officials. I have a headache because of the incident. I am filing a complaint and pressing charges against the person in question who assaulted me and caused my injuries.'
Medical and Legal Proceedings
A medical examination revealed that Torreira had 'redness between his left eyebrow and eye' after being struck. A police statement confirmed that the suspect would be brought to court on Wednesday. Reports indicate that the suspect was already subject to a restraining order for harassing Torreira's girlfriend and had a previous conviction for causing an 'intentional injury'. The suspect also allegedly made threats to Torreira on social media, with the individual reportedly jealous of the Galatasaray star's relationship.
