Former Arsenal footballer Nicklas Bendtner narrowly escaped a terrifying knife attack while visiting New York City.

The 47-goal scorer, who spent several years playing for the Gunners, was on a trip to the Big Apple when a relaxing walk through the city’s Upper West Side turned into a frightening ordeal.

A Sudden Attack

Bendtner, accompanied by his entourage, was strolling through the upscale Manhattan neighborhood last Wednesday when the group was suddenly approached by a knife-wielding assailant.

CCTV footage captures the chilling moment, showing the group walking down the street moments before a man with a knife in hand sprinted toward them.

Seconds later, the attacker, a man with a beard dressed casually in a t-shirt and shorts, is seen charging at Bendtner and his friends.

The scene quickly escalates, and the assailant flees as the group reacts to the attack.

A Shocking Injury

Bendtner later confirmed that one of his companions, also a former professional footballer, was injured in the attack.

The 55-year-old victim was stabbed and immediately rushed to a hospital.

He received treatment for injuries to his face and ear at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Authorities soon arrested the attacker, who was identified as 25-year-old Joshua Zinberg, a local man with a history of mental health issues and a criminal record.

Zinberg was charged with attempted murder and assault.

The Attacker’s Identity Revealed

As the search for the attacker unfolded, police confirmed Zinberg’s identity after his mother recognized him on television during coverage of the incident.

She reportedly identified her son, who had been the subject of public appeals.

The attacker’s mental health struggles were noted, sparking broader discussions about the state of mental health care in the city.

Mental Health and Public Safety Concerns

New York’s Mayor, Eric Adams, weighed in on the incident, pointing to the city’s struggles with mental health services.

Adams suggested that the closure of psychiatric facilities over the years had left many individuals without the support they need.

“We walk past people every day that we know do not have the ability to make the right decision to take care of themselves,” he said, emphasizing the long-term consequences of these closures.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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