CHRIS Smalling’s wife has slammed the “rats” who held her at gunpoint during a terrifying £100,000 raid as she spoke out for the first time.
The former Manchester United defender, 31, and ex-Page Three girl Sam Cooke, 35, were woken in the early hours by three hooded men who burst into their bedroom.
Smalling’s mum, sister and two-year-old son were also at the villa in Rome, where the star now plays for Roma.
The robbers swiped £100,000 worth of watches and jewellery before fleeing.
Sam has now spoken out over the ordeal to thank supporters and reveal the family are OK but “shaken”.
She also said Ex-Man Utd star Smalling handled the situation “very well”.
The former model said on Instagram: “I’d just like to suggest that those living their lives like these thieves who came into our bedroom at 4am pointing guns at our heads, rethink their choices in life and live in a more respectable and conscious way like real men, not rats (disrespectful to rats I know).
“I suspect your life hasn’t been easy but there’s always another way. A way that will lead to blessings and not karma biting you on the ass, which I’ve no doubt it will!
“And for the record, anyone thinking of coming near me and my family again, we have no jewellery or watches left and don’t intend to buy any more!
“If you see us wearing anything it’s likely fake. So don’t bother”.
Chris posted on Twitter about the incident, thanking fans and friends for their well-wishes.
He wrote: “My family although very shaken up are luckily unharmed! Hoping these people can find a more meaningful way to live their lives without causing such harm and distress to others.”
The couple have been flooded with support following the horror raid on Friday morning.
Smalling’s former Utd teammate Marcus Rashford was among those sending their well-wishes.
He said: “Thinking about you @ChrisSmalling and your lovely family. So sorry to wake up to the news this morning.
“Can’t imagine how you’re feeling but I hope you’re OK.”
Police say the gang entered the house by ripping off a window grille and may have drugged the couple’s two dogs.
Smalling was ordered to open a safe. The gang then raced off in a waiting car with three Rolexes, gold jewellery and 300 euros.
Sam raised the alarm and cops arrived quickly to the home in the exclusive suburb of Appia Antica. A police car remained outside while a forensic team searched for clues.
Smalling currently has a knee injury and had just returned from watching Roma draw with Ajax — setting up a Europa League semi-final with United.
A police source said they could not rule out him being followed home after the match.
The source added: “All three raiders were armed.
“Officers are now looking at cameras within the villa and in the surrounding area to see what images are available.”
A club source told The Sun: “Chris and his family are very shaken. They were left very frightened but, thankfully, unhurt physically.
“They did the best thing in cooperating and handing over what the gang wanted — there is no point arguing or reasoning with someone holding a gun.”
In November, Roma manager Paulo Fonseca had more than £90,000 of valuables stolen the day before an away match.
Chris and his family were left very frightened but, thankfully, unhurt physically.
Days earlier, burglars struck at the house of forward Joaquin Correa, who plays for local rivals Lazio.
It emerged last night the previous resident of Smalling’s villa — glamorous Italian football commentator Paola Ferrari — was robbed at gunpoint there by masked intruders two years ago.
She said: “I was shocked when I heard about the new robbery.
“It was the house where I was robbed. Why after two years does this story repeat itself?”
Smalling played 323 times for United and won 31 England caps before moving to Roma on loan in 2019.
Last year, he signed a permanent three-year deal worth £18million.
Smalling married Sam in 2017 and became vegan, like her.
