Zuniga needs security following WC

Colombia’s Juan Zuniga has to be accompanied by security after the injury he inflicted on Neymar left the defender fearing for his life.

The Napoli full-back kneed the Brazil forward in the back during their World Cup Last 16 clash, leaving the Barcelona man with a fractured vertebra.

And the player’s father has revealed that he has to be followed by guards following several death threats.

“After Colombia played Brazil at the Maracanà in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, he confessed that it was his dream to one day play in the Brazilian league,” his father Camilo Zuniga told Lancenet.

“Now for the safety of himself and his family, that is no longer a possibility. We received threats via internet and phone.

“We spoke to the authorities and of course as a father I am worried. Some really crazy messages arrived, big threats, racist insults too.

“I am not just afraid for my son, but also his wife and little daughter. After what happened we have been accompanied by security guards, but I hope it will just be temporary and that soon we can resume a normal life.

“Neymar already absolved him of blame, my son did not do it on purpose. He is totally against violence and has no previous record of nasty fouls.

“Anyone who offends him doesn’t understand football, as there were many incorrect interpretations of that challenge. Injuries are part of football, my son apologised in public and explained himself.”

Tags Neymar World Cup 2014 Zuniga
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