Ex-Spurs and Watford record transfer subject to terrifying ordeal in Spain - investigation launched

Tottenham Hotspur and Watford supporters may remember French midfielder Etienne Capoue from his time in the Premier League but the star, who now plays for Villarreal, has made headlines in Spain after his family were burgled by a 'gang'.

The 35-year-old was having dinner with his wife and children when he reportedly heard noises from an upper floor last Thursday. The Sun reports that the 6 foot 2 inch defensive midfielder confronted the burglar, who then escaped through an open window with other men spotted at the property fleeing the scene.

Capoue's family are said to have been left 'frightened' but unharmed in the incident with nothing from the property stolen. Valencia police have now opened an inquiry into the reported burglary, which took place in Betera.

Capoue joined Tottenham Hotspur from Toulouse in 2013 on a £9.3 million move as the club beat Cardiff City to land the star. The player spent two seasons at the club but eventually found his playing limited and sealed a switch to Watford in 2015 for a club-record transfer fee of around £6.3 million.

The Frenchman went on to rack up 181 appearances for the Hornets over six years in London, playing regularly in the club's Premier League side from 2015 until they were relegated in 2020. During his time, Capoue was named the Watford Player of the Year for the 2019/19 campaign and helped the side to the FA Cup final that season.

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Capoue signed for Villarreal in 2020 and won the Europa League with the club that season.

While at Watford, Capoue made headlines for claiming to not be an avid football fan off the pitch. Speaking ahead of the famous FA Cup final he said: "I am passionate about it - you can see that on the pitch. I love my job and what I am doing every day. I love football - but there is not only football in life.

"I would spend a normal day with my wife and kids and try to learn something outside football. I don't think football will follow me after my career so it is good to understand some other things in my life. I don't know what I will do after football, but if I am too focused on football it would not be smart.

"My life changed when I got my family. You have different views on the world. It did not change my football, but it changed me life. I have had to learn the actions to Baby Shark! But I love it - I enjoy life. I am playing for my family now. Playing for my kids and my wife as well."