Former Man Utd star Rojo's housemaid arrested after jewellery stolen in burglary

Police have arrested a housemaid working for former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo following a break-in at his home on a gated residential estate in Argentina.

The 44-year-old woman was held after watches, jewellery, cash and other valuables were stolen.

Rojo, now playing for Boca Juniors, discovered the burglary when he returned to his home on the upmarket estate of Miralagos near his native city of La Plata in the early hours of this Tuesday morning after watching his team play against Chilean side Colo-Colo.

Local reports said the intruders are thought to have turned off the alarm using the code after entering the property and there were no immediate reports of any damage to the perimeter fence around the gated estate where Rojo and his family live.

His wife Eugenia Lusardo reportedly told detectives their female employee had spent much of her time on Monday cleaning in the area where most of the valuables were taken.

The amount of cash stolen has been described as "high" although the total has not yet been revealed.

The value of the watches, jewellery and other missing items including a iPhone has not been made public.

Rojo, who signed for Boca Juniors on a free transfer last February after 122 games for United following injuries and a loan period at Argentinian club Estudiantes, has yet to make any official comment.

But he confirmed the break-in and showed his disgust at the alleged 'inside job' by reposting a local paper tweet on the incident which said:·"Regrettably the home of Marcos Rojo and his family was broken into while he was watching Boca Juniors' match against Colo-Colo.

"It would be logical that the authorities investigate how something like this could happen in a private area with security."

Several European-based footballers have been the victims of break-ins over the last few years and in some cases have been involved in violent confrontations with the intruders.

The last two were Man City star Joao Cancelo and former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi, now with Benfica.

Otamendi had a belt placed round his neck and his hands tied behind his back in a surprise ambush his children got caught up in as he returned home from a game last month.

Rojo was handed a five-match ban and £18,000 fine in October for his involvement in Boca Juniors' tunnel brawl with rivals Atletico Miner in their controversial Copa Libertadores defeat.

The dad-of-three didn't feature in last night's summer tournament game against Colo-Colo, which his side won 2-0, and watched from the stands.

When Rojo left Old Trafford just under a year ago, the ex-United defender said: "Since arriving in 2014 I have always felt privileged to be part of this incredible club with so much history.

"Thank you to all the fans who have always supported me when wearing the Manchester United jersey.

"Now begins a new chapter for me in my career but I will always have Manchester United in my heart."