Raheem Sterling ‘makes World Cup return decision’ after terrifying burglary at his mansion
It has been stated that Raheem Sterling will not rejoin England’s World Cup squad until his family’s safety has been ensured following a horrible home invasion.
On Saturday night, Sterling’s Surrey property was targeted as he prepared for England’s World Cup match against Senegal in Qatar.
The partner of the Chelsea star, Paige, and their small children were not present when the crime occurred.
The 27-year-old England international returned to the United Kingdom on Sunday to console his family following the tragic occurrence.
Gareth Southgate announced that Sterling will be given “as much time as he needs” before rejoining the squad. Sterling missed England’s 3-0 victory later that day.
Sterling will prioritize the safety of his family before deciding whether to return to Qatar. A source told The Sun : “Raheem has told everyone, ‘There is no way I’m going anywhere unless I’m 100 per cent sure that my family can be kept safe’.
“He is security conscious and part of the reason they moved into the property was that it is on a very exclusive estate, with regular security patrols. Despite this, he has still managed to be targeted, which is very upsetting for Raheem and Paige. They have just moved back to London and want to feel safe.”
Sterling is the second English international from Surrey to be targeted in recent months. In September 2021, Reece James, who is injured and not on England’s World Cup roster, had his Champions League winners’ medal stolen.
“We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead,” read a statement from Surrey Police on Monday. “On Saturday, 3 December, the occupants returned to the address after arriving home from an international trip.
“They contacted police just before 9pm to report a number of items of jewellery, including watches, had been stolen. Officers attended the address later that night and returned to speak to the occupants this morning. At this time it remains unclear on which date the property was stolen and establishing this forms a key part of our investigation.
“Enquiries into the full circumstances remain ongoing and officers will look at all available evidence including any CCTV opportunities. We are aware of media reports stating there were armed suspects involved, however, at this time, we would reassure our communities that no witnesses have come forward to this effect and there are no reports of any threats of violence linked to this incident.
“Anyone with information should contact police directly if they have not already been spoken to. No arrests have been made at this time.”
Southgate acknowledged England’s willingness to give Sterling as much time as he requires to secure the safety of his family.
He said: “We will have to wait and see [if he’ll be back]. At the moment, clearly the priority is for him to be with his family and we’re going to support that.
“We’ve got to give him time to try to resolve that or be there for his family. That’s the most important thing at this time, so we’re going to give him that space… We’re going to allow him to have as much time as he needs.”
Raheem Sterling ‘makes World Cup return decision’ after terrifying burglary at his mansion
