Everton striker Thierno Barry has said he was relieved that his family were not at home when it was burgled while he played in a cup match.
His home in Greater Manchester was targeted while he was playing for Everton against Newcastle United in a Carabao Cup tie at the Hill Dickinson stadium on Thursday.
The Frenchman, 24, posted on Instagram “things could have been much worse” had his partner and toddler not been in the stands.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said an investigation was ongoing.
Barry posted that he would not put his family “at risk” in the future by posting about his life on social media.
He said: “Maybe I’ve been too open about my family’s life and mine, potentially putting them at risk, all just to show my lifestyle and inspire others through my journey and success, hoping to motivate them to do the same.
“My childhood was never easy, but I’ve always believed that when you give yourself the best possible chances, there is always hope.
“Unfortunately, in life, there are people and things beyond our control.”