Man Utd hero Antonio Valencia reacts after ex-team-mate arrested in robbery plot
Manchester United icon Antonio Valencia has reacted to the arrest of one of his former international team-mates
Former Manchester United star Antonio Valencia has reacted to Christian Lara’s recent arrest(Image: Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Manchester United icon Antonio Valencia has addressed the arrest of one of his former Ecuador team-mates. Authorities recently detained Christian Lara over his alleged involvement in an attempted armed robbery.
Lara, 45, was part of Ecuador’s squad at the 2006 World Cup, alongside United hero Valencia. He appeared in two matches at the tournament, entering as a substitute against Germany in the group stage and also coming off the bench against England in the round of 16.
The former winger, known as ‘Diablito’, was arrested following an attempted robbery at an electronics shop in Quito. Ecuadorian publication Primicias reported that Lara was detained by police while allegedly waiting in a vehicle without licence plates.
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He was among four individuals arrested and was held in custody. Former United star Valencia has since responded to Lara’s arrest.
“I am very saddened by the news about Christian Lara. In the end, nobody knows what’s going on with anyone,” Valencia wrote on social media. “I ask God to watch over all our hearts, and that Christian (Lara) is in a better situation tomorrow.”
The duo were initially club team-mates at El Nacional between 2003 and 2005, early in Valencia’s career. Their connection continued at international level as both helped Ecuador qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
Lara represented his nation 28 times and secured three Ecuadorian Serie A championships during stints with El Nacional and LDU Quito. He retired from professional football in 2018 but had made occasional comebacks in recent years.
Regarding the attempted robbery, Primicias reported that armed individuals entered the premises and demanded iPhones. Authorities stated that two people inside the establishment opened fire on officers while trying to escape the scene.
After the incident, police chief Pablo Lastra said: “I can confirm we have apprehended four individuals who allegedly participated in an attempted robbery of a technology store in a neighbourhood in the Ecuadorian capital Quito called La Magdalena.
“Officers responded to an emergency call and thanks to the quick response, managed to foil the crime at the store called Tecnomega. Approximately six individuals with firearms entered the premises with the alleged aim of committing a robbery.
“As well as the four suspects, we have seized three guns, including a home-made mini-rifle. We have also recovered several firearm cartridges and a number of electronic items.”
On 7 April, Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg said of the attempted robbery on X: “The incident occurred in the La Magdalena sector, where the National Police responded to the robbery in progress. The armed suspects attempted to flee and fired at the officers, leading to a chase and the legitimate use of force.”
He continued: “Firearms, a submachine gun, a vehicle, and a cell phone were seized, and evidence from the robbery (laptops, cell phones, and other equipment) valued at approximately USD $9,000 was recovered. The case was turned over to the Prosecutor’s Office for due legal process.”
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