da doce： Liverpool star Cody Gakpo has been accused of neglecting his responsibilities as a landlord after a mice infestation swept his properties.
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Gakpo invests in housingIssues arise in propertiesTenants are complainingWHAT HAPPENED?
The Liverpool star has been accused of being a neglectful landlord across a string of properties he owns in the Netherlands. The 24-year-old invested a substantial amount of his wages to create a housing portfolio in the south of the county – but his tenants are now fuming due to the standard of the facilities. Dutch outlet reports claims of structural problems, vermin infestation and poor repairs from residents.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT WAS SAID
Stefan Stals, who Gakpo employs to collect rent from the properties and deal with any issues from the tenants, has since commented on the reported issues, saying: "There was nuisance from mice. We had those exterminated. The maintenance condition of the property is good.”
However, resident Ricardo Silva has since highlighted other issues with the properties, adding: “A rat fell down through there into my living room. It scared me to death. I saw it running. It was a rat with a long tail. It was definitely not a mouse.”
Another, Dewi Kouwenberg, said: “You see the gnaw marks on my sofa here? I don’t actually dare to be here.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gakpo is listed as the sole shareholder in the company Samaritan, which owns properties in Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Roermond, Weert and Geleen. The average rent in these areas is around £500 ($618) per month, however Gakpo's properties are listed at upwards of £700 ($865) despite the issues. According to , Gakpo's representatives have declined to comment on the reports. They have stated the responsibility of the properties lies with the company managing them on Gakpo's behalf.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GAKPO?
Liverpool fans will be hoping these off the field issues will not hinder Gakpo's performance, as they look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League following a recent 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
The Reds slipped to third in the top flight of English football after the loss and now face a three point gap to Arsenal at the top of the table. Liverpool will next be in action against Fulham on Sunday afternon.