Former Southampton star Dusan Tadic celebrated his 36th birthday this week and he’s been involved in some near-miss moments during his life, including the time he fought off gunmen who tried to rob his house.
The Serbian forward joined Saints back in 2014 and made 162 appearances during four years in England, before moving to Dutch giants Ajax. It was during his time living in the Netherlands that the terrifying encounter took place.
Upon returning home from a night at a local restaurant back in 2022, he was accosted by two armed robbers. Speaking to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf following the attack, Tadic explained how he fought off the intruders: “I had been out to dinner with a friend at an Italian restaurant, but when I returned home two men tried to attack me.
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“Although I was wearing a suit and shoes, I was faster, but then they grabbed their scooter and caught up with me. The next minute we were fighting. By moving left and right, I drove them apart a little, I whacked their leader first.
“The other one grabbed me from behind by my throat, but I was able to elbow him. It’s only in hindsight that you realise that things could have turned out very differently. But in the moment itself, you are full of adrenaline and go into battle.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Even though they had three firearms, I would never give up my pride. I was born in Serbia and as a child, I fought a lot. I felt good and strong. But after that, you think ‘What was this?’
Tadic is one of many footballers who have been targeted by thugs. Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller had £500,000 worth of cash and valuables stolen during a raid on his home in the same year. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba also had his house burgled while at the club.
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Serbian ace Tadic admitted that such incidents happen far too often, and not only to footballers. He added: “This happens too often – and not only to football players. If people continue to feel unsafe, they will leave the area where they live. Yes, me too, because the well-being of my family comes first. I hope this crime will be stopped.
“We have now got private security and also taken other precautions – about which the police won’t let me say anything.”
The 36-year-old suffered minor injuries during the altercation and explained the plasters worn on his hand in a game days later were a result of the incident.