A Premier League footballer has had a lucky escape thanks to the heroic efforts an off-duty police officer in Brazil. Brazilian fullback Emerson Royal, 23, was holiday in the Brazilian city Sao Paolo. He was outside a nightclub taking photos the police officer. He was suddenly accosted the thief, who was armed a handgun. The would-be assailant demanded Mr Royal's watch and other belongings. Fortunately for Royal, the police officer sprang action and chased the thief the street. The two became involved in a 29-shot gunfight. The footballer escaped unharmed, but was shaken the attempted robbery. The police officer was shot the back, but is now recovering in hospital.
Mr Royal, a defender the London club Tottenham Hotspur, said he would be eternally grateful the officer's heroics. He wrote: "God sends angels to Earth. This is confirmed every day my life. This human being...risked his own life to save mine." Royal's father described the event as a "horror scene". He said he would not wish such a thing anyone. He added: "I don't remember well. It all happened a flash and the adrenaline was running." High profile footballers have become a target criminals recent years. The website "Insider" reported there have been more than 20 assaults and robberies soccer stars and their families across Europe's top leagues 2019.
