Mexican international striker kidnapped by masked men

Olympiacos striker Alan Pulido has reportedly been kidnapped during a trip to his home country of Mexico.

The Associated Press reports that the striker was visiting his hometown of Ciudad Victoria when he was taken by armed masked kidnappers outside a restaurant in the village.

Pulido’s brother confirmed the kidnapping to Medio Tiempo, revealing he had disappeared in the early hours of the morning after going to a party.

An official from the state of Tamaulipas, near the border with the United States, explained the situation to AP and noted that an investigation is currently ongoing.

According to Medio Tiempo, the football star was driving with his girlfriend Ileana Salas when his car was intercepted by trucks at around 2 am before being taken away. His girlfriend was also reportedly taken by the kidnappers, but she was later released unharmed.

Pulido has four goals in six caps for his country, and was an unused squad member at the 2014 World Cup. He scored six goals in all competitions in his first season with the Greek champions as they wrapped up the title in record time.

The 25-year-old had returned home following the end of the Greek domestic season and had reportedly been left out of Mexico's Copa America squad due to a dispute with his former team, Tigres.