Tottenham defender Emerson Royal has escaped an armed robbery attempt which escalated into a gunfight and saw 29 shots fired in Brazil.
According to O Liberal and Jovem Pan Esportes, the Spurs star was involved in a frightening incident in the early hours of Friday morning. He had just left a nightclub in Sao Paulo, his home city, when he was targeted by robbers at around 3am.
It is said he was taking photos with an off-duty police officer when an individual held him at gunpoint and demanded his belongings. The officer reportedly spotted the thief and drew his gun to open fire as Emerson was able to escape unharmed.
Local reports claim 29 shots were fired at the assailant, who had to be taken to a nearby hospital after one struck them in the back.
Emerson is said to have been 'shaken up' by the incident having had his watch and chain taken. He had been partying with his family when the horrifying incident occurred.
"I was celebrating and on the way out, this whole affair happened, which was very bad," the player's father told Globo Esporte. "a horror scene indeed. I don't wish that on anyone."
The Brazil international joined Tottenham on the final day of the transfer window last summer, signing a five-year deal for a reported £25.8 million fee from Barcelona.
He has made 31 Premier League appearances and, discussing his first season in England last month, he said: “It’s been a productive season and one where I’ve learned a lot.
“I came from a different league and physicality, but I think I’ve been adapting well. You want fast results but have to understand there is a process to respect, but I think it’s gone well.”
The seven-cap international recently outlined his dream to work his way into Tite's plans for the Qatar World Cup later this year.
"My dream is to go to the World Cup," he said. "It's my biggest goal and there's no point in hiding it. It is my childhood dream. Things have happened very fast but I think what counts is maturity and the will to play. I have a lot of both.
"I have to deliver on club level to be in Tite's squad at the end of this year and I've been doing that. I believe I'm improving and will keep improving with Conte's management, too."
