Gunners center-back Pablo Mari is one of six people who were stabbed on Thursday in a Milan shopping center.
Currently, the 29-year-old is on loan at Monza in Serie B. He is now recovering in a hospital, and according to local media, one of the six victims has passed away.
A 46-year-old suspect has been detained. The police have ruled out terrorist intent. According to reports, the attacker had mental health issues and had taken the weapon from the grocery store racks.
According to reports, several customers detained the attacker. They turned him over to the police when they got on the scene.
Mari, a 29-year-old Spanish defender, suffered a stab wound to the back – but his injuries are not life-threatening. His agent, Arturo Canales, said that the star was conscious and no vital organs had been affected.
Pablo Marí was stabbed during an attack in a Milan shopping center today.
The Arsenal defender, who is on loan to Monza, does not have life-threatening injuries. pic.twitter.com/CEjRMaWI1l
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 27, 2022
Monza’s CEO provides an update on the incident
According to Adriano Galliani, CEO of Monza, who spoke to Sky Italy, Mari was attacked while out shopping with his wife and little boy.
“He had his son in a trolley and his wife beside him. Pablo didn’t notice anything. He then felt something painful in his back, which was the criminal’s knife,” Mr. Galliani said.
Galliani continued, “Unfortunately, he also witnessed the perpetrator knife someone in the throat; he saw everything that transpired, and it was profoundly unpleasant.”
The CEO acknowledged that the defender had a “pretty serious incision on his back” but said there was no danger to his life and that he “should heal fast.”
“Pablo, we are all here close to you and your family. We love you, keep fighting as you know how to, you are a fighter, and you will get better soon,” said Monza in a statement sent to the club’s official Twitter account.
In January 2020, Mari moved from Flamengo in Brazil to Arsenal. He has only made 19 appearances for the Gunners and is presently out on loan to Serie A team Monza.
Monza CEO Adriano Galliani: “Pablo Marì is not in danger as his injuries are not life-threatening. We hope to see him back soon”.
Pablo Marì was amongst six people stabbed in a mall in Milan tonight.
Get well soon, @PabloMV5! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PyO1mG9fmN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 27, 2022
Arsenal Official Statement
Arsenal provided an update on Mari’s condition in a statement made shortly after their Europa League match at PSV Eindhoven.
The statement stated, “We are all horrified to hear the terrible news about the stabbing in Italy, which has hospitalized several individuals, including our on-loan center-back Pablo Mari.”
“We’ve spoken to Pablo’s agent, who has informed us that the player is hospitalized but not gravely harmed.”
“Our thoughts are with Pablo and the other victims of this dreadful incident.”
Arteta said in his post-game press conference, “I just found out. I know that (technical director) Edu has spoken to his family. He is hospitalized, but he appears to be doing fine.”
