Asprilla threatened by armed criminals

Former Newcastle striker Faustino Asprilla has been threatened by three masked gunmen at his Taula home, in south-west Colombia. The criminals who told him to "contact the chief" or his entire family would be eliminated, were described by Asprilla as anti-socials who want him to exit his town through the back door. 45-year-old Asprilla who retired 10 years ago, appeared 54 times for Magpies between 1996-98, won the European Cup Winners Cup and Uefa Cup with Parma, won 57 caps for Colombia, scoring 20 goals, and appeared in FIFA World Cup twice. The Colombian who decidedly settled in Taula to spend time with his family after representing his country, said his family was threatened in his presence and he was being pushed to use the town's back door out of his beloved country. Policemen assure safety for the ex-footballer and his family, with the promise to nab the hoodlums.