Arsenal defender Pablo Mari was the victim of a shock stabbing on Thursday evening in Italy
(Image credit: The Mirror)
Arsenal have confirmed that Pablo Mari is safe and recovering after being stabbed in an Italian supermarket.
The Gunners' 2-0 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League was overshadowed by the news that Mari – currently on loan with Monza – was the victim of the attack, which has already claimed the life of one victim.
The shocking incident occurred in a Carrefour near Milan, Italy.
Pablo Mari was Mikel Arteta's first signing in 2020 (Image credit: Getty)
"We have been in contact with Pablo’s agent who has told us he’s in hospital and is not seriously hurt," Arsenal confirmed. "Our thoughts are with Pablo and the other victims of this dreadful incident."
Mari's father, meanwhile, spoke to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope after talking with his son.
Mikel Arteta chats to Pablo Mari during a Arsenal first team training session at Arsenal Training Centre in 2021 in London (Image credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
"These have been very worrying hours for us," he said. "They started calling me at 8pm and my heart has skipped a beat."
"Veronica [Mari's partner] has not told us how it happened, but she has told us that she has seen a person die in front of her. She has reassured us confirming that they are fine and that everything has been a fright for them."
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Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
