Monza soccer player Pablo Mari has been stabbed along with four other people in a shopping mall in the town of Assago outside Milan, news agency ANSA reported on Thursday.
The BBC said a 46-year-old suspect has been detained and that the motive for the attack was not clear.
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The 29-year-old Spanish centre back Mari is on loan at Serie A club Monza from Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “I just found out. I know (technical director) Edu has been in touch with his relatives. He’s in hospital but he seems to be okay."
Arteta was speaking at a news conference after his team’s match away to PSV Eindhoven.
Monza Chief Executive Adriano Galliani said on Twitter: “Dear Pablo, we are all here close to you and your family, we love you, keep fighting as you know how to do, you are a warrior and you will get well soon."
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)