Manchester United captain Maguire convicted of attack and attempted bribery while on vacation

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Manchester United defender Maguire: "I will stay strong and confident"

Michael Varaklas / AP

In front of a pub on the Greek holiday island of Mykonos, professional soccer player Harry Maguire got into an argument with others. When the police intervened, the captain of the English soccer champions Manchester United (ManU) is said to have also attacked the officers.

As a result of this incident during his summer vacation, Maguire has now been found guilty of grievous bodily harm and assault on a police officer. The court also sentenced the 27-year-old for attempted bribery. At the trial, a witness testified that after his arrest, the footballer said: "Do you know who I am? I am very rich, I can give you money."

Maguire sees himself as a victim

The Greek court has now sentenced the England international football player to 21 months and 10 days in prison on probation. But Maguire does not want to accept that. His lawyers want to appeal. The athlete said, "I'll stay strong and confident." He feels innocent, if anything, then he, his family and friends have become victims.

Maguire had denied all allegations with the judicial authorities on the island of Syros on Saturday that the background was a physical dispute between several parties. Maguire was allowed to leave Greece despite the trial. Along with Maguire, his brother Joe and friend Christopher Sharman were arrested after the fight on Thursday evening.

Former Leicester City player Maguire traveled to Mykonos after his current club ManU lost to Sevilla in the Europa League in the semi-finals. Despite his conflict there, the British national coach Gareth Southgate apparently continues to hold on to him - and nominated him for the squad for the Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark next month.

Maguire is one of the best defenders in his country. Last summer he moved to ManU for 87 million euros. This makes the national player (26 games, one goal) the most expensive defender in football history to this day. In his first season he completed each of the 38 Premier League games. The season ended his club with coach Ole Gunnar Solskjær in third place.

apr / dpa / Reuters