Galatasaray midfielder Lucas Torreira suffers head injury in street attack
Galatasaray midfielder Lucas Torreira has been hospitalised and intends to file a lawsuit after being assaulted by a member of the public outside a Turkish cafe.
The 28-year-old Uruguayan international was approached by an unidentified man following a tennis session at a local hotel.
After agreeing to pose for a photograph with one fan, another individual suddenly struck the left side of his head.
The former Arsenal player required hospital treatment for head injuries sustained during the unprovoked altercation.
Suspect arrested following physical confrontation
Footage of the immediate aftermath has since circulated widely on social media platforms.
The video appears to show the assailant engaging in a physical struggle with the midfielder’s entourage before attempting to flee the scene.
Police officers responding to the incident successfully apprehended the man as he tried to escape in a taxi.
The ex-Sampdoria and Atletico Madrid enforcer confirmed his driver and a friend intervened to protect him during the sudden scuffle.
Midfielder pursues legal action over assault
Releasing a detailed statement through an interpreter, the South American confirmed he is formally pressing charges.
“After the man approached me, he suddenly punched the left side of my head; I didn’t understand what was happening,” Torreira explained.
“I don’t know why he did such a thing; I had never seen him before. Immediately after the incident, I went to the hospital for a check-up.”
“I am filing a lawsuit and complaint against the person in question who assaulted me and caused my injury.”
Torreira permanently departed the Emirates Stadium for Istanbul in 2022, having made 89 appearances for the Gunners.
He has since established himself as a vital figure in Turkey, helping Galatasaray secure back-to-back Super Lig titles.