A former Manchester United footballer, currently playing for AS Roma in Serie A, fell victim to a failed burglary attempt for the third time since relocating to Rome, prompting a police investigation. Chris Smalling, the former Man Utd star, had his residence in the Tor Carbone area, on the outskirts of Rome, targeted by burglars. According to reports, a gang of ‘professional’ thieves from Eastern Europe attempted to break into his home on Monday evening, smashing a window in their endeavor to access a safe, but ultimately failed. This marks the third burglary attempt on Smalling’s home in the three years since he and his family moved to Italy. Smalling, who is married to glamour model Sam Cooke and has a four-year-old son named Leo, was previously a victim of armed robbery two years ago when three assailants broke into his home and stole valuable items, including a Rolex watch. The 33-year-old defender’s transfer to AS Roma in 2020 from Manchester United has seen him experience a decline in playing time this season, in contrast to his significant contributions to the team in the previous season under the management of Jose Mourinho. Smalling’s career boasts a rich history with Manchester United, including multiple titles and international caps.