Galatasaray footballer Lucas Torreira experienced an unpleasant incident in Istanbul after being physically attacked on Tuesday evening by a 32-year-old man, who later admitted to being obsessed with Torreira’s girlfriend.
According to Turkish media, the incident took place at around 6:45 p.m. in a shopping mall in the Beyoglu district. The Uruguayan midfielder was on the padel court when Yusuf Y. approached him and punched him in the face.
After the attack, the suspect tried to escape in a taxi, but the police quickly found him and arrested him at the exit of the center. During the investigation, it was determined that Yusuf Y. had previously been punished for violent behavior and causing bodily harm.
At the hearing, Yusuf Y. admitted that the motive for the attack was his obsession with photographer Ipek B., who was allegedly in a relationship with Torreira.
“A year ago I saw their photos together on Instagram and that’s when I started to feel hatred towards him,” the suspect said.
He added that he had posted hate messages directed at the footballer on social media and, after discovering where Torreira was, decided to go there.
“I saw him and immediately punched him in the face,” he admitted during the hearing.
Lucas Torreira confirmed to police that Ipek B. was his girlfriend and revealed that he himself had previously obtained a 45-day restraining order against the attacker.
After the incident, the Uruguayan footballer filed an official complaint against the attacker.
During the investigation, police also determined that Torreira’s driver attempted to react after the attack and struck the suspect to prevent further conflict.
Torreira’s medical examination revealed redness between his left eye and eyebrow, but fortunately he did not suffer any serious injuries.
Videos of the incident quickly emerged on social media, showing the chaos following the attack, as well as the moment the attacker stood nearby and waited while Torreira took photos with fans.
After police processing, Yusuf Y. was brought before the court, which ordered his detention for the criminal offense of intentionally causing bodily harm.
Torreira is a Uruguayan national team player who plays as a midfielder. During his career, he played for Pescara, Sampdoria, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Fiorentina and Galatasaray.
The Turkish giants brought him from Arsenal in 2022 for six million euros, while the Gunners paid him a whopping 28 million euros in 2018.
This season, Torreira has made 46 appearances for Galatasaray, scoring four goals and providing four assists, and according to Transfermarkt, his market value is currently around 12 million euros.
