Image Credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette had his emotional farewell appearance for Lyon overshadowed by a burglary at his home while he was playing his final game for the French club, according to reports in France.
The 33-year-old forward signed off in style on Saturday night, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers — the first from the penalty spot and the second a simple tap-in. The brace was the perfect send-off for Lacazette, who was celebrated by fans with a giant tifo and a guard of honour from his teammates beneath an arch reading “Merci Alex.”
However, the celebratory atmosphere was soon soured. According to Le Progrès, Lacazette’s home in Lyon’s 5th district was broken into around 9:30pm — approximately 30 minutes after kick-off. Two burglars reportedly entered the property through a service shaft while it was unoccupied.
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The intruders are said to have accessed a safe inside the house and stolen jewellery and cash worth tens of thousands of pounds. The burglary was discovered and reported to police around 1:30am, and CCTV footage captured the two suspects. A police investigation is now underway.
Alexandre Lacazette (Image credit: Getty Images)Lacazette is the latest in a series of Lyon players to fall victim to home burglaries in recent years. In 2022, Karl Toko-Ekambi, Jeff Reine-Adelaide, and Dejan Lovren all suffered break-ins. A year later, left-back Nicolas Tagliafico had his garden and home targeted by thieves.
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Lacazette’s unfortunate experience came on what should have been a night of celebration, marking the end of an illustrious two-spell career at Lyon. The forward made 391 appearances for the club and scored 201 goals, cementing his status as one of their all-time greats.
After rising through Lyon’s youth ranks, Lacazette joined Arsenal in 2017 and scored 71 goals in 206 appearances during his five-year stint in North London. He returned to Lyon in 2022 and has since been a key figure in the squad.
Now departing as a free agent, Lacazette has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League after reportedly turning down an offer from the region last summer. His next destination remains uncertain, but his farewell — though tainted by the burglary — will be remembered for his on-pitch heroics and legacy at Lyon.
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