Post by Taxigirl on Jan 13, 2004 10:00:37 GMT
Chelsea footballer Juan Sebastian Veron has told police he was threatened with a machete during a burglary at his home.
The 28-year-old Chelsea star told police he and his girlfriend were in bed when a man broke into his home and stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery.
The break-in is said to have taken place at about 0700 GMT on Sunday at the Argentine midfielder's home in Barnes, south London.
Wayne Harley, 35, a builder from Wandsworth, south London, was arrested later that day and charged with aggravated burglary.
Mr Harley appeared at Richmond Magistrates' Court on Monday and was remanded in custody to appear at Kingston Crown Court at a later date.
At least six people were believed to be staying in the house, including children, at the time of the break-in.
Veron, who is currently injured, was one of the first players to be bought by Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich.
In a statement issued through Chelsea Football Club, Veron said: "I would like to express my thanks to the police on behalf of my family and our friends for their very swift response to our call for help.
"Both the police and our neighbours have been very supportive since the incident.
"We have had a little bit of a scare but no-one is injured and life goes on."
Outside Veron's house, Gary Staker, of Chelsea football club, said the star was fine and just wanted to spend some time with his family.
Veron was bought for £15m from Manchester United in the summer and is believed to earn in the region of £75,000 a week.