Kidnapped: Striker Carlos Tevez's dad freed after $60,600 ransom paid
Juventus striker Carlos Tevez's father was kidnapped in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
Local media said Juan Alberto Cabral was released after receiving over $60,600 in ransom money.
The footballer was in Turin for pre-season training. Upon hearing news of the kidnapping, the worried son wanted to hop on a plane to his native Argentina. Thankfully, his father was soon released unharmed.
Tevez said on his Twitter account: “I thank everyone for their support always. I’m able to tell you my father is ok, safe and sound. That’s what’s most important.”
“I also thank... the Buenos Aires and Federal and Anti-kidnapping police (forces) for their support for my family.”
Police stand near the home of Juan Alberto Cabral, father of Juventus' soccer player Tevez, in Buenos Aires. Photo: Reuters
Argentine Security Secretary Berni leaves the home of Juan Alberto Cabral, Tevez's dad, in Buenos Aires. Cabral was kidnapped for about eight hours and later released after a ransom was paid. Photo: Reuters
The amount paid for Segundo Tevez’s release was not revealed but media reports said it was 400,000 Argentine pesos (S$60,682).
Tevez's brother Diego told local radio station La Red that at first, his father's vehicle was stolen and returned. Kidnappers went for him after discovering his link to fame.
"They realized he was the father (of Carlos Tevez). Because of the 'green card', they went back for him and asked for the ransom," Diego Tevez said.
We admire Tevez
The daily La Nacion, quoting sources close to the police operation, said kidnappers had told Tevez’s father: “We admire your son, but we have to do this to work."
Despite being in brilliant form in Serie A for Juventus last season, Tevez was not chosen by Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella for the World Cup finals in Brazil.
Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany in the Rio de Janeiro final two weeks ago.
"We're annoyed with Sabella because he didn’t call him up to the national team,” La Nacion also quoted the kidnappers as saying.
- Reuters
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