Soccer Star's Stolen Pup Returned After Emotional Plea

LOS ANGELES, CA —Maybe the bad guys felt a pang of conscience? Maybe it was the offer of a $30,000 reward? However it happened, English soccer player Daniel Sturridge was reunited with his stolen dog Wednesday morning in Hollywood.

The Pomeranian was stolen from the Hollywood Hills home where Sturridge is staying during a break-in early Tuesday morning. Though other valuables were taken, it was the loss of his beloved dog that hurt Sturridge the most. The dog, an adorable ball of fluff and a minor Instagram celebrity in his own right, is named Lucci. Upon discovering the break-in, Sturridge took to social media and poured out his heart while offering a reward of between $20,000 and $30,000 for the safe return of the dog.

``Somebody stole my dog. I'll pay anything. I want my dog back," he said in one of the videos.

His pleas were heard.

Related: Burglars Nab Soccer Star Daniel Sturridge's Instagram-Famous Pup

Someone brought the dog home a little more than 24 hours after he was stolen.

Sturridge does not believe the person who returned the the little dog, Lucci, was involved in its disappearance, ABC7 reported.

The dog was snatched during a burglary of the home about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday and other personal property was taken, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

It was unclear if the person who returned the dog received the reward.

No arrests were reported.

Sturridge played most recently for Liverpool F.C. of the English Premier League.

City News Service contributed to this report.