A FOOTBALLER’S family have been rescued by armed police after being kidnapped by masked men.
The wife and five-year-old son of Jackson Rodriguez were kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday.
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The Emelec star, 26, reported the kidnapping to the police after heavily armed individuals had entered his home in Mucho Lote 2 neighbourhood, Ecuador.
It was claimed that while terrified he hid under his bed as they went through his home.
The masked men also stole jewellery and money from the footballer’s home after breaking down the door at 3am.
They were rescued by police from El Fortin, Guayaquil, where they were held.
A video shared on social media showed the dramatic moment that gun-wielding cops saved the footballer’s family.
It continues to show the police taking the victims out of the derelict spot where they were being held.
The Ecuadorian police have now confirmed that Rodriguez’s family rescue was successful.
It also revealed that the kidnappers were asking for a “large sum of money”.
A statement read: “Following the effective investigative and operational work of the Ecuadorian Police, we released Andrexy O. and his son, relatives of Jackson Rodríguez.
“They were kidnapped in Mucho Lote, and their perpetrators were demanding a large sum of money for their release.
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“They are in safekeeping.”
Local media have also reported that the cops are protecting Rodriguez.
It is also believed that he had not received any prior threats or warnings that he was being targeted.
Full-back Rodriguez has played 9 times for Emelec this season.
The club play in the LigaPro, the highest tier in the country, and currently sit 11th in the table.
Kidnapping of footballers is not unheard of in Ecuador.
Last December, Quito star Pedro Perlaza was kidnapped in the city of Esmeraldas.
He was found alive a few days later.
