Ex-Premier League star 'attacked at airport' before trip for international duty

Former West Ham player Nayef Aguerd was assaulted at an airport before going on international duty with Morocco, according to reports in France. Aguerd, 29, recently signed for Marseille and was flying from the French city on Sunday night.

The defender was in the VIP lounge as he waited for his flight. But things took an unexpected turn when Aguerd was allegedly attacked. According to local outlet BFM Marseille-Provence, Aguerd had been approached by a man who asked for his phone number and a selfie. The man then 'raised his voice and tried to slap him'.

The lounge's security service quickly intervened and the man was apprehended by police. Authorities questioned the attacker but Aguerd didn't have time to file a formal complaint before heading off to join his Morocco team-mates.

Aguerd's nation welcome Bahrain for a friendly on Thursday before hosting Congo in a World Cup qualifier. Walid Regragui's side have already booked their place in North America, having won all seven of their games so far in qualifying.

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Conceding just two goals, Aguerd has been part of a watertight backline. Victory over Congo would ensure a perfect record, as Morocco prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations in December and the World Cup next summer.

Aguerd joined West Ham for £30million in the summer of 2022 from Ligue 1 side Rennes. The 29-year-old made a total of 61 appearances for the Irons, scoring four goals. He was part of one of West Ham's most famous nights, as they beat Fiorentina 2-1 to win the Conference League in 2023.

Aguerd was loaned out to Real Sociedad last summer before returning to East London ahead of the new season. The centre-back played 90 minutes in West Ham's first two Premier League games before Marseille came calling. Roberto De Zerbi's side paid a fee in the region of £20m for his services.

Upon joining Marseille, Aguerd wrote: "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 enjoyed an impressive start to the season and are currently on a four-game winning streak. Marseille beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 last month before following that result up with victories over Strasbourg, Ajax and Metz.

They sit second in the Ligue 1 table, one point behind PSG. Marseille's first game after the international break is at home to Le Harve before travelling to face Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, a competition in which they'll play both Newcastle and Liverpool.

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