Former Premier League star Etienne Capoue victim of terrifying ordeal as gang raid home while he and family are inside

FORMER Tottenham star Etienne Capoue has undergone a terrifying ordeal … with a gang of burglars raiding his home while he had dinner with his wife and kids.

The France midfielder, 35, spent two years with Spurs after a £10million move from Toulouse in 2013.

Villarreal star Etienne Capoue’s house was raided by burglars as he ate dinner with familyGetty

Capoue went on to have five Premier League seasons with Watford after the Hornets paid a then club record £6.3m for him.

He swapped Vicarage Road for Villarreal three years ago, and is still doing well for the Spanish club.

But Valencia police have opened an inquiry after a raid on Capoue’s house in the upmarket city suburb Betera.

The player reportedly heard noises from an upper floor during a family dinner last Thursday.

The powerful 6ft 2ins Capoue is said to have confronted a burglar, who escaped through an open window.

Two other men spotted in the property’s garden fled at the same time.

The seven-cap international’s wife and three young children were left frightened, but nothing was stolen.

Capoue is the latest footballer to have his home targeted by criminals. 

Organised gangs have often been behind the raids.

However early inquiries suggest amateur opportunists broke into his house after choosing it at random.

Capoue used to star in the Premier League for TottenhamPA:Empics Sport

He also enjoyed a spell at WatfordPA:Press Association

Defensive midfielder Capoue made 36 Tottenham appearances, scoring two goals.

He went on to play 181 times for Watford.

And Capoue was named the Hornets’ 2018-19 player of the season after starring in their FA Cup final run.