adminLONDON. — Distraught Raheem Sterling has vowed he will only return to England’s World Cup campaign when his family are “safe.”
The Three Lions’ ace’s mansion was targeted by a gang who stole £300 000 watches and designer jewellery — he is said to be the fourth Chelsea player hit by them in recent months.
Police understand his fiancée Paige, 27, discovered the raid on Saturday night, less than 24 hours before England’s clash with Senegal on Sunday.
Raheem, also 27, pulled out of Gareth Southgate’s squad and dashed home after learning of the terror raid.
He is hoping to return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter-final against France — but only if he thinks his home is secured and his family are not at risk.
A source said: “Raheem has told everyone, ‘There is no way I’m going anywhere unless I’m 100 per cent sure that my family can be kept safe.’
“He is security conscious and part of the reason they moved into the property was that it is on a very exclusive estate, with regular security patrols.
“Despite this, he has still managed to be targeted, which is very upsetting for Raheem and Paige. They have just moved back to London and want to feel safe.”
The family moved into the property in Oxshott, Surrey, after Chelsea paid Man City £47.5 million for the winger this summer.
It is understood Paige returned to the UK from Qatar with his three young children after cheering on Raheem in the group stages.
She had a work commitment related to her property firm.
Yesterday, Raheem met with detectives from Surrey Police who are investigating the crime.
One of the other Chelsea victims, defender Reece James, 22, was raided by a gang who targeted his home in Cobham, Surrey, in September last year.
They stole his safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup and Euro 2020 medals.
Two other teammates have also suffered similar crimes in recent months, with cops now looking into potential links.
It is feared a highly organised criminal gang has the club’s wealthy players in its sights.
Yesterday, England ace Harry Maguire blasted the thugs who targeted Raheem.
Man United star Harry, 29, said: “It’s extremely disappointing to hear that when we are out here playing for our country and giving everything there are people back home targeting us.
“The game could have gone different and we might have needed Raheem.”
And England skipper Harry Kane, also 29, was yesterday helping to calm his teammates worried by the raid.
A Three Lions source said: “Harry knows the players’ families are really shaken up by what has happened and that is a worry for the players themselves.
“He sees it as his job as skipper to keep the morale of the team up and to focus everyone on the France match.”
England manager Gareth Southgate said he and the FA had discussed security arrangements with the squad prior to leaving for Qatar. — The Sun.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter