Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo says he suffered facial injuries when he was assaulted by a gang of burglars who “tried to hurt” his family. The Portugal international posted a picture on Instagram on Thursday evening, which showed a cut above his right eye.
 The 27-year-old full-back did not say where the attack took place, but City said in a statement it was during a burglary at the player’s home. “Unfortunately today I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family,” Cancelo posted.
“When you show resistance, this is what happens. They managed to take all my jewellery and leave me with my face with this state.”
Cancelo added: “I don’t know how there are people with such meanness. The most important thing for me is my family and luckily they are all OK. After so many obstacles in my life this is just one more that I will overcome. Firm and strong, like always.”
Cancelo, who joined City from Juventus in August 2019, is widely considered to have been one of the best players for Pep Guardiola’s Premier League leaders this season. As an 18-year-old, the Portuguese player was a passenger in a car accident that killed his mother. A Manchester City statement read: “We are shocked and appalled that Joao Cancelo and his family were subjected to a burglary at their home this evening during which Joao was also assaulted. Joao and his family are being supported by the club and he is helping the police with their enquiries as they investigate this very serious matter.”

Championship leaders Bournemouth beat 10-man Cardiff
Bournemouth beat 10-man Cardiff 3-0 on Thursday to open up a four-point lead over Fulham at the top of the Championship.
Ryan Christie claimed the opener and top-scorer Dominic Solanke was also on the scoresheet before Cardiff goalkeeper Alex Smithies’ late own goal sealed a great night for Scott Parker’s men. Cardiff had midfielder Leandro Bacuna sent off in first-half stoppage time as they were plunged deeper into relegation trouble. There were also wins for sixth-placed Huddersfield, promotion-chasing QPR and Wayne Rooney’s Derby, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

Celtic announce triple signing from Japan’s J League
Scottish Premiership club Celtic announced the signing of Japanese trio Yosuke Ideguchi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, with manager Ange Postecoglou saying they would “excite” the fans.
International midfielder Ideguchi, 25, will arrive on a long-term deal from Gamba Osaka and the versatile Hatate, 24, joins from Kawasaki Frontale Forward Maeda, 24, who is also a Japan international, will join from Yokohama F Marinos, initially on loan until the end of the season but with a compulsory purchase clause included.
Postecoglou was in charge for more than three years at Yokohama F Marinos before he took over at Celtic earlier this year, and he is confident the three players will thrive in Glasgow.
Celtic, who signed Japan international forward Kyogo Furuhashi in July, resume their Premiership campaign at home to Hibernian on January 17 following the winter break. Celtic are currently six points behind Glasgow rivals Rangers at the top of the Premiership table, with 18 games to play.