- The former Real Madrid star has allegedly had over a tonne of seafood seized
- Authorities reportedly swooped on the warehouse in Portugal on Wednesday
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A former Real Madrid star finds themselves in a bizarre legal situation after a tonne of illegal seafood was seized from a warehouse in Portugal allegedly owned by the ex-player, according to reports.
The fishy situation has resulted in the two-time Champions League and LaLiga winner being advised to reportedly close the business by authorities who made their move on Wednesday.
Former Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao was involved in the saga as his warehouse located in the fishing port of Povoa de Varzim was raided by officials who ended up taking over a tonne of shellfish away with them, as reported by Portuguese ‘Jornal de Noticias’.
Coentrao spent the majority of his playing career in the Spanish capital alongside the likes of Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Luka Modric, winning a host of major top honours in the process.
The 36-year-old made 106 appearances across seven years at the Santiago Bernabeu, initially departing on several loan spells after only four years and ultimately leaving at the end of his contract in 2018.
He ended up moving back to his home nation of Portugal and recorded 82 appearances for Rio Ave prior to officially announcing his retirement in 2021.
A former Real Madrid star reportedly finds themselves in a bizarre legal situation after a tonne of illegal seafood was seized from a warehouse in Portugal
The ex-Madrid star has always shared a joy for passion and reportedly owns a boat and warehouse
Former Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao was involved in the saga as his alleged warehouse located in the fishing port of Povoa de Varzim was reportedly raided by officials
Coentrao – who shared a good friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo during his playing days – settled in Portugal and his passion for the sea that was inspired by his fisherman father saw him purchase a boat while still playing for the reigning Champions League holders.
The celebrated star reportedly proceeded to buy a warehouse and has now allegedly been punished with the seizure of fish by inspectors from the General Directorate of Natural Resources, Security and Maritime Services (DGRM).
Around 12 tanks of water filled with seafood totalling over 1000kg was removed due to Coentrao having allegedly opened the business without a licence. It remains to be seen whether the former Portugal international will shut down the business.
Previously commenting on his love for the sea and fishing, Coentrao said: ‘People who love the sea and who want to live the experience of the sea need to follow their will, their dream. It is also a job for the new generations.
Coentrao (left) shared a good friendship with Real Madrid and Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo (right) during his playing days
The 36-year-old (second from left, bottom row) made 52 appearances and scored five goals for the Portugal national team
‘My father had a boat, he was a fisherman and he always went with him as a child. My life was the sea: the sea and fishing.
‘Of course, I knew that football would one day end and that I should take a new direction in my life. And my happiness is this boat and this is the life I want to lead,’ he told the Empower Brand Channel.
Coentrao had once been heavily linked with a sensational move to Manchester United during his career but ultimately never represented an English club.
Since retirement, Coentrao is also amongst a growing number of ex-players to take up the popular sport Padel with his Instagram page, boasting 2m followers, showing him participating in several matches.