Mexican police rescue kidnapped footballer: Alan Pulido

Mexican footballer Alan Pulido was rescued hours after he was kidnapped in his hometown after the striker managed to call police while his captors were distracted, authorities said yesterday

Mexico City: Mexican footballer Alan Pulido was rescued hours after he was kidnapped in his hometown after the striker managed to call police while his captors were distracted, authorities said yesterday.

Alan Pulido

The 25-year-old player told reporters that he was "very well, very well, thank God." The abduction put a spotlight on the murders and kidnappings afflicting the state, where thousands of people have disappeared and drug cartels have fought brutal turf wars for years.

Pulido, who played for Mexico in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, was kidnapped by four men late Saturday after he left a party in Ciudad Victoria, authorities said. Officials earlier said six gunmen were involved.

"During a moment of inattention by the captors in the place where he was located, he was able to make a phone call and ask for help, giving his location and we were able to immediately rescue the victim," Tamaulipas state prosecutor Ismael Quintanilla told reporters. One man was arrested during the operation.

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