Monza director Adriano Galliani has confirmed the sad news that one person has sadly died in the knife attack that saw Arsenal defender Pablo Mari injured.
The Spanish centre-back, who was present with his wife and child, was involved in the shocking incident that saw six people attacked in the Milanofiori di Assago shopping centre in Italy at around 5.30pm on Thursday. It is said that the attacker took a knife from a shelf of a Carrefour supermarket before going on their rampage.
All victims were taken to hospital, with an air ambulance having been called into action, with a number of those involved reported to be in a serious condition. Fellow customers were reported to have bravely stepped in to halt the attack before police arrived.
In issuing a positive update on Mari’s health, Monza CEO Galliani also confirmed the devastating news that one of the workers involved in the attack has heart-breakingly passed away.
Speaking to TG2, the 78-year-old said: “Unfortunately, I received terrible news, the store cashier died. As for Pablo Marì he had a fairly deep wound on his back, a penetrating one, which however did not touch vital organs such as lungs or others. His life is not in danger. He certainly has problems but he should recover quickly despite some injured muscles.”
In the aftermath of the attack on Thursday evening, statements were issued by both Arsenal and Mikel Arteta - both assuring supporters that Mari was okay, although reports have suggested that he is set to undergo surgery having been stabbed in the back.
Speaking after the Gunners’ 2-0 Europa League defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Arteta said: "I just found out. I know Edu has been in touch with his relatives. He's in hospital but he seems to be okay."
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s official statement read: "We are all shocked to hear the dreadful news about the stabbing in Italy, which has put a number of people in hospital including our on-loan centre-back Pablo Mari.
"We have been in contact with Pablo’s agent who has told us he’s in hospital and is not seriously hurt. Our thoughts are with Pablo and the other victims of this dreadful incident."
In the aftermath of the attack, Galliani and coach Raffaele Palladino are said to have raced to the hospital to be at Mari's side.
The 29-year-old defender had previously made eight appearances in Serie A this season for Monza, scoring one goal against Spezia earlier this month.
Mari’s father has already confirmed to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope that on Thursday night he spoke to his son, who told them he was "fine" and that he "loved them very much."
