Police were today investigating the mugging of Manchester City's Darius Vassell as he stepped out of a taxi.
The striker was robbed of his watch and jewellery on his return home from the club's Christmas party. Vassell was not injured during the incident, but was threatened by two offenders.
It is understood the attackers had not specifically targeted the former England international, but struck while the player reportedly disputed his taxi fare at the junction of Palatine Road and Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury at about 5.30am on Sunday.
Greater Manchester police said: "Police were called following reports of the robbery. On arrival they found a 28-year-old man whose watch and jewellery had been stolen. He had not been injured during the incident but the offenders had threatened him. Inquiries are ongoing."