Gareth Southgate won’t pressure Raheem Sterling into returning to World Cup as England star insists on being ‘100% sure his family is safe’ before flying back after break-in at his £6m Surrey mansion
- Gareth Southgate said they was no pressure to return for Raheem Sterling
- Came after break-in at the father of three’s £6million gated home in Surrey
- Neighbours yesterday suggested they were convinced it was an ‘inside job’
England manager Gareth Southgate says he will not pressure Raheem Sterling to return to Qatar’s World Cup after a burglary at his home in Surrey.
Police say the break-in at the £6million property – where jewellery and watches were snatched – was discovered on Saturday night when his family returned from abroad.
Sterling rushed home from the tournament as soon as he was alerted, meaning he could play no part in Sunday’s Senegal victory, and is still in the UK.
And last night Southgate, 52, said he would not pressurise Sterling, 27, into coming back if he did not feel comfortable doing so.
Raheem Sterling’s partner Paige and their three children were not inside their home at the time of the raid, police said today
Gareth Southgate said yesterday there was no pressure to return for Raheem Sterling
The Man City star is prioritising the welfare of his family and will want to be absolutely assured of their safety before returning to Doha.
In an initial statement, Surrey Police confirmed that they were investigating a burglary and the theft of ‘a number of items including jewellery and watches.’
A second statement confirmed Sterling’s family returned from the World Cup on Saturday to find the property had been burgled, though the date of the robbery is unclear.
Police say no threat of violence was made, though it is unclear whether the alleged intruders went back to the property following the initial burglary and were seen by members of Sterling’s family.
Thieves broke into the father of three’s £6million gated home in Surrey on Saturday night
Private security have been patrolling the estate in Surrey (picture taken yesterday morning)
A police spokesman said: ‘We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead. On Saturday, December 3 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.
Sterling has three children: his daughter, and eldest, Melody Rose, as well as two sons, Thiago and Thai
Harry Maguire (pictured) has spoken out in solidarity with fellow England star Raheem Sterling following a burglary at the player’s Surrey estate
‘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.’
The Football Association have re-issued the detailed guidance offered to players ahead of the tournament with regards to their personal security arrangements back in England after news of the incident left members of the squad concerned they could be targeted.
A number of players have already taken the decision to heighten security at their properties back in England.
‘We had offered (increased security) to players, that was something we did discuss with the players before we left.
‘I think there’s a little bit [for Raheem] in the midst of moving house that played a part in that. But we are very conscious of it. And with what’s happened, we will have that conversation again.’
Speaking yesterday, team-mate Bukayo Saka revealed he has sent a message of support to Sterling.
When asked whether he would increase his own security, Saka replied: ‘It is not something that I’ve managed to discuss because when it happened I was very focused on the game. I just hope Raheem is okay and his family are okay and he does what he needs to do.
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