Former Premier League footballer Eljero Elia escaped without serious injury after being involved in a frightening three-car collision that left his £270,000 Lamborghini Urus destroyed on a major Dutch motorway.
The 38-year-old ex-Southampton winger was driving on the A4 motorway near Leiden on Saturday night when his luxury SUV reportedly struck two other vehicles at around 9:45 p.m., Dutch police said. The crash caused significant damage to all three vehicles and led to a large emergency response on the busy carriageway.
Authorities confirmed that no one suffered life-threatening injuries, though two drivers were taken to the police station for questioning. Elia and another man were also transported in a police van to be interviewed about the incident. Local reports said police are investigating whether alcohol may have been a factor, with the drivers of the other vehicles undergoing tests.
Elia spoke to Dutch broadcaster Omroep West after the crash, recounting the moments leading up to the collision. “I was driving in a stretch that’s normally quiet around that time,” he said. “Suddenly, I saw the traffic in front of me brake and come to a standstill. I tried to brake, but I skidded.”
He explained that he fully cooperated with police and returned home after giving his statement. “I told them what happened and then I went home,” Elia said.
The crash has drawn widespread attention in the Netherlands, given Elia’s prominence as a former international footballer. His Lamborghini Urus, valued at approximately £270,000, was heavily damaged in the incident.
Elia’s career included stints with some of Europe’s most notable clubs. He joined Southampton on loan in January 2015, making 17 appearances and scoring twice before returning to Werder Bremen. He also played for Juventus, Feyenoord, FC Twente and ADO Den Haag.
Internationally, Elia earned 30 caps for the Netherlands national team, scoring against Scotland and Hungary. He retired from professional football in 2022 after suffering a ligament injury.
Elia is married to Sanne Elia, owner of the Heavenly Beauty headspa. The couple have three children: Heavenly, Seal and Eljero Dream.
thesun.co
