Former Colombia striker Faustino Asprilla has revealed a criminal gang threatened to kill him and his family in an extortion plot.

The 45-year-old, who spent two seasons at Newcastle, said he has been forced to leave his home town of Tulua because of fears for his safety.

Asprilla was reportedly threatened by four men in two cars on Tuesday.

“They told me to contact their chief because if I didn’t they would kill my family and me,’ Asprilla was quoted by the El Tiempo newspaper as saying.

READ MORE — The night Faustino Asprilla’s hat trick sunk Barcelona at St James’ Park

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He also issued a statement on his official website saying he was “helpless and hurting” at being forced out of his home town “by the back door”.

“Today is one of the saddest days of my life. I had to leave my own land, Tulua, as a victim of extortion by a group of anti-socials,” he said.

“My family was threatened in front of me, my father, my sisters. Helpless and hurting, I took the decision for the safety of my loved ones to leave Tulua.

“I dedicated my life to representing my country abroad, to bringing joy to my Colombian people, when I could finally rest, to recover the time lost with my (family), I’m forced to leave by the back door of my own town.”

Asprilla, who won 57 caps for Colombia, became a folk hero at Newcastle during his time at St James’ Park, memorably scoring a Champions League hat-trick in a 3-2 win at home to Barcelona.

He also played in Italy for Parma, winning the UEFA Cup twice and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.