Robert Lewandowski, one of the new star signings for FC Barcelona, has practically just landed in the Catalan capital and has already been the victim of a crime. The Polish footballer had stopped his car and was signing autographs for fans who were waiting for him near Barça's training facilities at the Ciutat Esportiva, in the municipality of Sant Joan Despí, when another person appeared and stole his Patek Philippe watch, which is valued at 70,000 euros. The events took place this Thursday afternoon, at half past five in the afternoon, specifically on Carrer Major de Sant Joan Despí, a few kilometres from the Ciutat Esportiva. Although Lewandowski tried to pursue the thief himself, he lost sight of him.
Watch was ripped off footballer's arm
At around half past five in the afternoon this Thursday, August 18, the new Barça striker was driving to the Ciutat Esportiva when he saw three fans waiting for him, a part of daily life for a star like the current holder of the European Golden Shoe. Lewandowski stopped the vehicle to sign autographs and greet the three fans who were waiting for him, but a fourth young man then appeared out of nowhere and suddenly snatched the watch from the player's arm, before running off. Lewandowski tried to give chase in his car, but ended up losing sight of him, at which point he called FC Barcelona security, who immediately contacted the Catalan police, the Mossos d'Esquadra. The watch stolen from Lewandowski is a model from the expensive Patek Philippe brand, valued at 70,000 euros.
Thief located and watch recovered
The case has been resolved more quickly than most pickpocketing incidents in the Catalan capital. After being alerted, the Catalan police began an investigation to identify the thief who violently assaulted and robbed the FC Barcelona player. In scarcely more than two hours since the robbery took place, Mossos d'Esquadra officers had located a young man who matched the description provided and who was hiding in a nearby market gardening area. The agents identified the suspected thief, an 18-year-old youth, and have been able to recover the luxury watch, which the suspect had hidden nearby. The police have arrested the young man, who is accused of robbery with violence.