Chelsea’s overlooked player was reportedly attacked in a shocking restaurant surprise.
Former Chelsea player Malang Sarr was reportedly caught off guard and slapped by a group of tough-looking Frenchmen while having dinner with his teammates in Malaga, Spain, last July.
Sarr, who recently joined Saudi club NEOM SC, was said to have been pulled aside and hit by these men during a private meal at the Elba Estepona Gran Hotel. The men claimed to be connected to his former agent.
According to L’Equipe, Sarr was slapped several times, but he has denied this happened. The argument might have been about his big move to Saudi Arabia, where he signed a three-year deal worth £13 million.
Before joining NEOM, Sarr worked with several agents. One of them, who had talks with the Saudi club, reportedly felt upset with Sarr’s choices. The group demanded Sarr pay this agent, but he refused.
The day before the incident, Sarr’s former agent even sent his brother to visit Sarr’s home. While training with NEOM in Malaga, Sarr denied leaving the hotel with these men.
Spanish police and a Saudi consulate official came to the hotel to speak with witnesses, but no one agreed to give statements. Sarr hasn’t officially complained about the event, though NEOM has since beefed up security around him.
Sarr’s time at Chelsea was brief, playing only eight Premier League games, mostly appearing in cup matches. He later went on loan to Monaco, then moved to Lens in France before his transfer to NEOM.
Since the incident, the 27-year-old has played eight matches for NEOM, including seven in the league and one in the King’s Cup. His team is currently fifth in the Saudi Pro League, after moving up from Division 1 this season.