Former Premier League star ‘attacked at airport’ earlier than flying on worldwide responsibility
A former Premier League star was allegedly attacked by a man in the VIP lounge of an airport as he waited for his flight to join up with his country on international duty
Former West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd was reportedly assaulted at an airport before heading off for international duty with Morocco, as per French media reports.
The 29-year-old, who recently signed for Marseille, was flying out of the French city on Sunday evening. The defender was in the VIP lounge awaiting his flight when the alleged assault occurred.
Local news outlet BFM Marseille-Provence reported that a man approached Aguerd asking for his phone number and a selfie, before becoming aggressive and attempting to slap him.
Security personnel in the lounge swiftly intervened and the police apprehended the man. While the authorities questioned the assailant, Aguerd didn’t have time to lodge a formal complaint before he had to leave to join his Moroccan team-mates.
Aguerd’s national team is set to play a friendly against Bahrain on Thursday, followed by a World Cup qualifier against Congo. Walid Regragui’s squad have already secured their spot in North America, having won all seven of their qualifying matches so far.
With only two goals conceded, Aguerd has been a key part of a solid defensive line. A win over Congo would maintain their flawless record as Morocco gear up for the Africa Cup of Nations in December and the World Cup next summer.
Aguerd arrived at West Ham for £30million during the summer of 2022 from French outfit Rennes. He featured in 61 matches for the Hammers, netting four times.
He played a crucial role in one of West Ham’s most memorable evenings, helping them defeat Fiorentina 2-1 to claim the Conference League trophy in 2023.
Aguerd spent time on loan at Real Sociedad last summer before returning to East London for the new campaign. The defender featured for the full 90 minutes in West Ham’s opening two Premier League fixtures before Marseille made their move. Roberto De Zerbi’s outfit stumped up around £20m to secure his signature.
Following his switch to Marseille, Aguerd wrote: “Very happy to join the Marseille Olympics. Looking forward to discovering this mythical stadium that is the Velodrome and getting to know the most beautiful atmosphere of France and Europe. Come on OM.”
The southern French club have made a brilliant start to the campaign and are currently enjoying a four-match winning run. Marseille stunned Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 last month before backing up that triumph with wins against Strasbourg, Ajax and Metz.
They occupy second spot in the Ligue 1 standings, trailing PSG by just one point. Marseille’s next fixture following the international break sees them host Le Harve before making the trip to face Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, a tournament where they’ll also come up against Newcastle and Liverpool.
