The goalkeeper and captain of Brazil’s most popular football club, Flamengo, has been arrested over the disappearance and suspected murder of his ex-lover.

In a case that’s gripped the soccer and soap loving nation, Bruno Fernandes de Souza is accused of having planned the kidnap and death of model Eliza Samudio, who’s been missing for a month.

His surrender to police and transfer to jail was broadcast live on television.

Withing hours, the detective leading the case said he had no doubt Souza was guilty. The victim was allegedly strangled by a hired killer and then fed to dogs with the remains buried under concrete police say, although no body has yet been found.

The 25-year-old model was also mother to a four-month old baby whom she claimed was fathered by the footballer.

The child is reported to have been found alive with the footballer’s family. His wife too has now been arrested along with several of his friends.

Fernandes de Souza denies the allegations.

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