Ugandan born German based midfielder Savio Nsereko has been arrested in Bangkok, Thailand for alleged false kidnap. According to reputable sports websites Goal.com and ITV Sports, the former Fiorentina and West ham attacker was arrested by police in Pattaya after reportedly extorting €25,000 from members of his family. It is alleged Nsereko telephoned members of his family from Thailand, telling them he had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom.
Nsereko’s family then immediately contacted the German embassy in Thailand, who brought in the police to investigate the matter. The former Germany U-20 international has had a torrid time in his career ever since he made that 11 million pound transfer from Italian outfit Brescia to English side West Ham where he made merely ten appearances for the hammers in six months. The highly rated 23 year old has also had stints at Serie A sides Fiorentina, Bologna and Germany club 1860 Munich before ending up at Germany third division side SpVgg Unterhaching.
Mean while, reports from his club indicate that his contract had been terminated a week ago following his request citing that he had much on his head and couldn’t play for football for some time.
This was confirmed by club president Manfred Schawbi in a statement which partly read; “Savio’s head was full of other things, and was, therefore, not able to concentrate on football,” said President Manfred Schwabl. “We have complied with his wish to get him once time to settle his personal affairs,” continued Schwabl. “We wish him nothing but the best”, concluded the statement from Schwabi.
This is the second time Nsereko has made a false kidnap after the player also went AWOL in 2011. He becomes the third Ugandan player to be involved in unclear deals after Joel Kitamirike and Hassan Wasswa who were arrested on drug related issues.
Nsereko is expected in Germany where he is going to be tried in courts of laws this week. As usual, Kawowo sports will keep you posted on the developments.