Jack Grealish, who plays for Manchester City, has spoken of his “devastation” following a break-in at his house.

While the England midfielder was playing for the Premier League champions at Everton on Wednesday night, the thieves broke into his Cheshire property. When they heard a disturbance, Grealish’s family members and his fiancée Sasha Atwood were at the residence watching the broadcast match.

A helicopter, police dogs, and several officers were dispatched to the property near Knutsford in response to an alarm that was set off, but no suspects were found. It is believed that watches and jewelry valued at £1 million were taken by the burglars.

In lengthy Instagram post on New Year’s Eve night, he wrote: “I can’t begin to explain how devastated I am over the burglary that took place at my home a few days ago.

“My family mean the world to me and nothing is more important than ensuring their safety. This has been a traumatic experience for all of us, I am just so grateful that nobody was hurt.”

He added: “I have had so many amazing experiences and achievements over the last 12 months, but to be honest the best year of my life in football now doesn’t feel like something I can celebrate.

“The people that commit these terrible crimes have no idea of the damage they cause to peoples lives. I hope they are found and brought to justice so no other family has to go through what we have.

“I appreciate the messages from everyone and the support from my friends, teammates and the club. On a more positive note, I’d like to thank everyone for their support throughout this past year, I wish you and your family a happy 2024.”

A spokeswoman for Cheshire Constabulary said: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday 27 December police were called to reports of a burglary. The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.

“Officers, supported by the police dogs and NPAS (National Police Air Service), were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area, but there was no trace of the suspects.

“No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1722738.”

Grealish had helped secure a 3-1 win for City against Everton at Goodison Park before he was informed of the raid.