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PREMIER League goalie David Raya has a banned XL Bully dog to guard him, The Sun can reveal.
The Arsenal ace, 28, has vowed to keep pet Goku following a string of terrifying raids on the homes of football stars.
The breed was outlawed after several attacks, but Raya has an exemption certificate.
An expert said last night: “He’s a responsible owner.”
Raya and model girlfriend Tatiana Trouboul, 27, are said to adore the mutt, even though new laws are in place outlawing XL Bullys after a string of attacks.
Goku lives in a secure cage at the couple’s multimillion-pound home in North London.
Spaniard Raya has shared snaps of himself cuddled up with the glaring beast on the sofa.
Tatiana has also been seen taking him for walks.
Raya, who is currently on loan to the Gunners from Brentford, wants the pooch to guard their property after fellow stars suffered a series of violent break-ins.
He has hired experts from Elite Protection Dogs to train Goku.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “David Raya has one XL Bully. He is called Goku, he is a one-year-old. David’s had him since a puppy.
“Everyone with XL Bullys is worried. But David is a responsible owner, he wants to be responsible with him.
“We are training Goku on a long-term contract.”
Elite Protection Dogs has 35 years’ experience training canines, charging up to £20,000.
In 2022, Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez got a Belgian Malinois from the firm in the same month he landed a prized World Cup winner’s medal with Argentina.
New laws have come in over the past two months after a rise in maulings from XL Bullys, including those previously regarded as “soft and loving”.
On December 31 it became illegal for an XL Bully to be out in public without a lead and muzzle. It is also an offence to sell, breed, give away or abandon the dogs.
And this month it became illegal to own an XL Bully in the UK without an exemption certificate, which Raya possesses.
The dogs must be microchipped, neutered and kept in a secure place. Owners must also have third-party liability insurance. — The Sun.
Online Reporter