Mexican footballer rescued from kidnapping ordeal

Footballer Alan Pulido has been rescued by Mexican police after being kidnapped in the north-east border state of Tamaulipas, officials said yesterday.

Pulido, a striker with Greek side Olympiakos, appeared outside state police offices, with one of his hands bandaged, alongside Tamaulipas governor Egidio Torre Cantu.

When reporters asked him how he was, Pulido replied: “Very well, thank God.”

“The most important thing is that he is here. He is with us,” Mr Torre Cantu said.

The Tamaulipas security co-ordination group said in a statement earlier yesterday that the rescue occurred shortly before midnight and involved state and federal police.

State police spokesman Evaristo Gutierrez said one suspect has been arrested but provided no details.

Pulido, 25, was kidnapped on Saturday night outside his hometown of Ciudad Victoria as he left a party.

Olympiakos said they were relieved over Palido’s safe escape.

“Alan is safe and sound with his family. We thank everyone for their concern and prayers during the difficult moments he has lived,” the club said on its Twitter page.

The kidnapping happened one week before scheduled elections for a new governor.

Tamaulipas, which borders Texas, has been plagued with violence in recent years as the Gulf and Zetas drug cartels battle for control.

Both organisations also are involved in theft, extortion, and kidnappings.