Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
This is the Portuguese defender who has scored a goal in a Champions League match after having spent 141 days in prison for alleged kidnapping and attempted murder.
Greek side Olympiacos defender Ruben Semedo, 25, has capped off a remarkable comeback by scoring a goal during the Champions League group stage match against Serbian side Red Star Belgrade at the Red Star Stadium in the Serbian capital Belgrade.
Even though the final score of the match was 3-1 to the Serbian side, Semedo scored the only goal for the Greek side as he continues his comeback from his startling off-the-pitch problems in Spain.
He was arrested for allegedly tying up a man in his own home and beating him with others in February 2018 when was playing for Villareal.
He was accused of kidnapping and attempted murder and the case is currently pending trial however local media have not reported a trial date.
The victim’s identity has not been reported.
He was released from prison after 141 days after paying 30,000 EUR (26,691 GBP) bail in July 2018 five months after the incident which he described as “one of the happiest days of my life”.
After his release, Semedo was sent to Portuguese club Rio Ave on loan after Spanish authorities gave him permission to leave the country.
Semedo told local media: “I cried several times in prison. I never cried in front of people but I would lie down and could not sleep. I just thought about my kids and the suffering of my family.
“It makes you wonder if it is really worth giving up time with your family to be with people who do not look for what is best for you.”
He eventually made his way to the Greek giants in this summer’s transfer window and quickly earnt a starting position.
Portugal national team coach Fernando Santos took notice and gave him the opportunity to represent Portugal in the matches they have scheduled this month against Luxembourg on 11th October and Ukraine on 14th October for the EURO 2020 qualifiers.
Semedo admits that he has “had this goal for some time now” and thanked “the team and the people that surround me and work with me every day”.
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