Monday 30 May 2016 11:36, UK
Mexico and Olympiakos striker Alan Pulido has been kidnapped in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, according to reports in his home country.
The 25 year-old, who was part of Mexico's 2014 World Cup squad, was taken at gunpoint on Sunday near his home town of Ciudad Victoria, according to officials.
Pulido is thought to have been kidnapped after attending a party with his girlfriend, who was also reportedly taken by the masked men but later released.
Authorities have refused to reveal any further details about the kidnapping or its motive. However, it is understood that federal and state police have mounted an operation to find the striker.
Tamaulipas has a history of kidnappings and violence related to the ongoing battle for control between drug cartels and the Mexican government.
Pulido signed for Olympiakos from Levadiakos in 2015, scoring five times in eight appearances for the Greek giants.
Olympiakos issued a statement of support for Pulido's family through the club's Twitter account on Sunday evening.
"In this difficult time, our thoughts and our prayers are with Alan," read the statement. "We sincerely hope that this hard experience comes to an end soon and that Alan return home safe."
