It is perfectly understandable that in the wake of the recent attacks in Brussels, Belgium that many people would be concerned for their own safety and take whatever actions are necessary to protect themselves and their families. Unfortunately for Belgian Pro League giants Anderlecht, that newfound fear could very well cost them one of their biggest stars.
According to the Mirror, Anderlecht striker Matias Suarez has announced that he will leave Belgium with his family due to concerns over their safety.
“It’s nothing to do with the country, which is incredible,” Suarez said.
“I love Belgium and the people here. But I’ve talked to my agent and my wife already and for the safety of the family we’ve decided to leave in June.”
Suarez explained that the area where he lives has undergone dramatic changes ever since the November terror attacks in Paris, France, with regular people even staying home oftentimes out of fear. He also noted that he suspects potential jihadists live in his area and feared that an attack like the one in Brussels was possible.
After everything that happened in Paris, people have changed completely here.
“In the streets and shopping centres you don’t see many people. People basically don’t leave their homes because of this fear.
“In Brussels we have a neighbourhood where lots of jihadists live and lots of people who are involved in these awful things and, unfortunately, talking to my wife and my friends we knew something like this was going to happen.”
Since he was at training when the attack occurred, Suarez said he immediately tried to make sure his family was safe once he found out and feared for the life of his daughter.
“I wasn’t at home, I was on the way to training in the morning and listening to the radio when I found out.
“I was very scared. I tried ringing to find out if my daughter was okay and if I had to go and get her.
“It’s scary, more than anything for the family.
“That is why we will leave.”
In an eight-year career at Anderlecht, Suarez has won the Belgian Pro League four times as well as four Belgian Super Cup titles. In 2011 he was awarded the Belgian Golden Shoe for the best footballer in Belgium.
Suarez helped Anderlecht reach the Round of 16 in the Europa League this past year and has helped lead the club to the Belgian Pro League Championship play-off.