Former Brazil star kidnapped by ‘love rival’ and beaten over ‘affair’ as he is forced to record video ‘at gunpoint’

A FORMER Brazil star claims he was kidnapped by a “love rival” and beaten over an “affair.”

Marcelinho Carioca also said he was forced to record a video at “gunpoint” during a press conference on Monday.

The four-time Brazil international revealed he was at the house of a female friend to collect concert tickets before being pounced on by a group of men.

The incident, which occurred in Sao Paulo on Sunday, saw Marcelinho hit on the head before having a hood placed over his head and bundling him into his own car.

The 52-year-old was then taken to a house and held for a day-and-a-half.

His family ended up paying over £8000 for his release.

And Marcelinho says while in captivity, he was forced to make a video while having a gun held to his head.

He claims he was made to say he was kidnapped by his female friend’s husband, who had discovered they had gone out together.

At his press conference, Marcelinho sported a black eye and denied he had been seeing the woman, named as Thais, romantically.

There was no indication from Marcelinho or police that her husband, who she is recently separated from, was indeed involved.

And Marcelinho says he made the claims on camera to protect his friend’s life.

He said: “I know her ex-husband, Marcio, and her two children. Thais has been my friend for three years.

“They said a lot of things and I have nothing to do with Thais, nor does she have anything to do with me.

“[In the video] I was forced to speak. Thais is a warrior, a woman of fibre and our relationship is one of friendship.

“They wanted money, I was worried about my life, her life.”

Marcelinho was found by police in a house after receiving an anonymous tip.

Two men and a woman who were close to his car were taken to the police station.

And it’s added that a hole from the pellet of an airsoft gun was found in the former player’s vehicle.

Marcelinho won four caps for Brazil and spent most of his career playing in his homeland.

The attacking midfielder played for giants like Corinthians, Flamengo and Santos in a career spanning 22 years.

He also had several spells in Europe, featuring for the likes of Valencia and Ajaccio.