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Manuel Pellegrini thanks Chile police after he and wife mugged by armed men in Santiago

Manuel Pellegrini is currently the head coach of Hebei China Fortune
Image: New West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini was reportedly mugged by armed robbers in Chile

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has thanked police in Chile for their swift response after he and his wife were reportedly mugged at gunpoint.

The incident occurred in the Santiago suburb of Vitacura on Saturday night when the couple were part of a group heading to a restaurant for a meal.

Pellegrini's wife, Carola Pucci, is understood to have had her handbag stolen before the robbers were confronted by police, who were then shot upon.

The assailants fled in a stolen car, which was later found abandoned with Pucci's handbag still inside, according to reports in Chile.

Pellegrini wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations to @Carabdechile for their speedy and brave reaction.

"I'm also thankful for the help of locals. I hope they give the Carabineros more resources to solve the problem of delinquency as soon as possible."

A spokesman for West Ham said: "Our Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has been in touch with Manuel Pellegrini to offer our good wishes and support. We are relieved to hear that Manuel and his wife were both unharmed."

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Pellegrini was unveiled as West Ham's new manager last month, taking over from David Moyes and signing a three-year deal at the London Stadium.

The Chilean, who previously led Manchester City to the Premier League title, was most recently managing in China with Hebei China Fortune.

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