
Arthur Melo (foto: Getty Images)
Girona midfielder Arthur Melo, formerly of Barcelona, was robbed in the city center after training. Thieves stole his watch while he paid for parking, a growing problem in the Catalan capital.
Arthur Melo, the 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder currently playing for Girona, was the latest footballer to fall victim to theft in Barcelona, a city known as much for its beauty as for its alarming rate of street crime.
The incident occurred this week in the city center, shortly after Arthur had finished training. While stopping to pay for parking during a shopping trip, thieves targeted him and made off with his valuable watch.
The criminals reportedly approached on foot before quickly escaping on a motorbike. Fortunately, Arthur was not injured during the theft.
This type of incident is sadly becoming a regular occurrence in Barcelona. Footballers from Barcelona, Espanyol, and Girona have frequently reported being targeted by thieves, often in public areas and even during the day.
Arthur previously played for Barcelona between 2018 and 2020 before moving to Italy and eventually returning to La Liga with Girona. Despite the unsettling experience, he is expected to feature in Girona’s next La Liga match against Alaves tomorrow.