Football Saves Ex-Premier League Star Rico’s Life Following Coma
In a remarkable tale of resilience and determination, former Premier League star Sergio Rico has opened up about how football saved his life after a near-fatal horse-riding accident. The Spanish goalkeeper, who spent the 2018-2019 season on loan to Fulham from his hometown club Sevilla, shared his harrowing experience and the role that football played in his recovery.
Rico, who is currently under contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), revealed that he spent an astonishing 26 days in a coma after suffering severe neck injuries from the accident in Spain last May. The 30-year-old spent a total of 12 weeks in the hospital, during which he lost over three stone in weight. Despite these challenges, Rico remains hopeful of returning to PSG’s team and continuing his professional career.
“The truth is that I owe everything to football. It is my entire life,” Rico expressed. “A doctor told me that my arteries were more resistant than those of a normal person who didn’t play as much sport as me. I feel very lucky to be alive because it was a very serious accident and my life was at stake.”
Rico’s commitment to physical fitness and his years of professional training proved instrumental in his survival. The doctor’s surprise when Rico asked if he would be able to play football again after waking up from his coma highlights the severity of his injuries. However, the doctor ultimately gave Rico the green light, much to his relief.
“Life is very important. Nobody wants to die, but had I been forced to retire from football, I ask myself would it have been worthwhile?” Rico pondered. His love for the game and his determination to overcome adversity are evident in his emotional account of his experience.
While recovering in the hospital, Rico had a poignant dream in which he saw his late father on the other side of a street. Unable to hear his son calling out to him, Rico’s father continued walking. This dream served as a clear signal to Rico that his time was not yet up, evoking a profound emotional response from the footballer.
Since then, Rico has regained the weight he lost during his hospitalization, and his doctors have warned him about the potential risks to his balance. Nevertheless, he remains grateful for his progress and views his recovery as nothing short of a virtual miracle. He is now focused on maintaining his health and well-being while staying within the limits set by his medical team.
Rico’s story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, the determination to overcome obstacles, and the role that sports can play in shaping and saving lives. Despite facing a life-threatening situation, Rico’s passion for football and his unwavering spirit kept him going. His journey serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, reminding us all of the importance of cherishing life and pursuing our dreams.
As Rico continues on his path to recovery and sets his sights on returning to PSG’s team, there is no doubt that his story will continue to captivate and inspire football enthusiasts around the world.