Former West Ham star Nayef Aguerd was reportedly assaulted at an airport before jetting off for international duty with Morocco. The 29-year-old, who recently signed for Marseille, was preparing to fly out from the French city on Sunday evening. The defender was relaxing in the VIP lounge awaiting his flight when the incident occurred.
According to BFM Marseille-Provence, a man approached Aguerd asking for his phone number and a selfie. The man is then reported to have ‘raised his voice and tried to slap him’. At this point, security staff in the lounge intervened and the police apprehended the man. The assailant was questioned by authorities but Aguerd didn’t have time to lodge a formal complaint as he had to leave to join his Moroccan team-mates.
Morocco will host Bahrain in a friendly match on Thursday, followed by a World Cup qualifier against Congo. Under the guidance of Walid Regragui, the team has already secured their spot in North America, having won all seven of their qualifying matches so far.
With only two goals conceded, Aguerd has been instrumental in forming a solid defence. A win over Congo would maintain their flawless record as they gear up for the Africa Cup of Nations in December and the World Cup next summer.
Aguerd signed for West Ham in a £30million deal during the summer of 2022 from French outfit Rennes. He featured in 61 matches for the Hammers, netting four times.
The defender played a crucial role in one of West Ham’s most memorable nights, helping secure a 2-1 triumph over Fiorentina to claim the Conference League trophy in 2023.
The centre-half was sent on loan to Real Sociedad last summer before making his way back to East London for the current campaign.
Aguerd played the full 90 minutes in West Ham’s opening two Premier League fixtures before Marseille made their move. Roberto De Zerbi’s outfit splashed out approximately £20million to secure his signature.
Following his switch to Marseille, Aguerd said: “Very happy to join the Marseille Olympics. Looking forward to discovering this mythical stadium that is the Velodrome and getting to know the most beautiful atmosphere of France and Europe. Come on OM.”
The south-of-France giants have made a flying start to the campaign and are enjoying a four-match winning run. They defeated Paris Saint-Germain last month before backing up that result with triumphs against Strasbourg, Ajax and Metz.
Marseille currently occupy second spot in Ligue 1, trailing leaders PSG by a single point.