Tottenham star Destiny Udogie has been involved in a terrifying car crash in Italy.
The alarming incident unfolded in Udine during the early hours of Thursday morning. Defender Udogie, 20, smashed his car into a bar and caused an estimated €3,000 (£2,600) of damage - with tables, chairs and umbrellas all on the receiving end of a Mercedes.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. Udogie joined Tottenham from Udinese in August but immediately returned to the Italian club on a season-long loan. The left-back, who has represented Italy at youth level, has made 25 Serie A outings this season.
Although no one was injured, the owner of the bar was left in shock by the crash. He told a local news outlet, "A car hit the bar. It seems that a bomb went off.
"12 chairs, three tables, two umbrellas, five large plant holders and about ten plants were destroyed. Only one was saved. One of the parasols even ended up under a parked car, also the one hit by the out-of-control vehicle."
Premier League odds and betting tipsUdogie reported for training later on Thursday. Tottenham have not commented on the matter, but Udinese have released a statement confirming the incident.
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It read: "Regarding the news of the road accident which, last night, involved Destiny Udogie driving his car, Udinese Calcio informs that the player has not suffered any consequences and has trained regularly with the team. Udogie, moreover, as established by the internal regulation, will be sanctioned to the extent foreseen by the same."
Udogie came through the ranks at Hellas Verona before joining Udinese in July 2021. The emerging talent signed on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy and went on to make 35 Serie A appearances last term, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
Udogie's performances persuaded Tottenham to sign him in an £18million deal last summer. He was immediately loaned back to Udinese and has continued to impress, scoring three goals and providing three assists in 25 Serie A outings this campaign.
Udogie is primarily a wing-back but can also play in a deeper role. He will be targeting a spot in Tottenham's starting XI when he returns to London this summer, with Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic the other two left-wing-backs in the squad.
"I’m very happy," said Udogie after signing. "It’s a good feeling to go to the Premier League, work with [Antonio] Conte, and sign with Tottenham. I am convinced that with Mr Conte I will be able to grow further. For now, however, it is also important to return on loan to Udinese, I want to have a good season."
Sadly for Udogie, he will not get the chance to work with Conte after Tottenham parted company with the Italian last month. Cristian Stellini is the club's acting manager, but it is unclear who will be in charge when the 2023/24 campaign starts.