Mexican international and recent Colorado Rapids target Alan Pulido has been rescued by authorities in his home state of Tamaulipas after being kidnapped on Sunday.
Pulido, 25, was taken to a nearby hospital but reportedly only suffered minor injuries and described his condition as "good, very good" in a brief interaction with reporters. A forward for Greek club Olympiacos, he was named to Mexico’s roster for the 2014 World Cup, but did not make the country’s 23-man squad for the upcoming Copa America Centenario.
"A cooperative operation between federal and state forces, a little before midnight Sunday, May 29, achieved the safe and healthy rescue of professional soccer player Alan Pulido, who was kidnapped Saturday night in the capital city. Right now, Pulido is under medical supervision," read a statement released by the government of Tamaulipas on Monday.
Mexican international striker Alan Pulido 'well' after kidnapping rescue. https://t.co/s24wQ8JaDZpic.twitter.com/nhmA50sCjA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 30, 2016
According to the Associated Press, a government official said that Pulido was kidnapped after leaving a party near his hometown of Ciudad Victoria early on Sunday morning. Pulido’s brother, Armando, confirmed the news to Mexican outlet Medio Tiempo.
Pulido turned pro with Tigres UANL in 2010. He left the club for Greece following the 2014 World Cup, though he’s been involved in a legal dispute with the team about the validity of his contract since his departure.
The Colorado Rapids were interested in signing Pulido this winter, and club technical director Paul Bravo even traveled to Greece to meet with the striker in January.
Pulido had five goals in eight appearances with Olympiacos last season.
