Sergio Rico Set to be Discharged from Hospital After Life-Threatening Accident
Sergio Rico, the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, is expected to be discharged from the hospital next week, almost three months after a devastating accident that left him fighting for his life. The 29-year-old was involved in a collision with a mule cart and a runaway horse while on a pilgrimage in Spain on May 28. He was immediately taken to the Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Seville, where he has been receiving treatment ever since.
Rico has undergone multiple medical operations to address his severe injuries and brain trauma. The recovery process has been complex and required the expertise of doctors and specialists. Although it was initially hoped that he would be able to leave the hospital earlier, his discharge was delayed due to complications. However, his family now expects him to be allowed to leave this week and return to his home in Seville.
At this stage, Rico’s focus is on his recovery, and a return to football is not a priority. The doctors have remained positive throughout the process, as long as his rehabilitation continues to progress as planned. This news comes as a huge relief to his family, who have been by his side since the accident occurred.
The accident took place during Rico’s visit to El Rocio, a pilgrimage in Almonte, Huelva, in the province of Andalucia. The pilgrimage involves a procession with people walking, riders on horseback, and carts following PSG’s 1-1 draw against Strasbourg on May 27, which secured the Ligue 1 title.
Rico’s family provided an update following the accident, stating, “Sergio Rico traveled last night from Strasbourg to Malaga and then to El Rocio, with the permission of the club after PSG won Ligue 1. After spending just over an hour and a half with his family and friends, he was on his way to the Pontifical Mass next to the chapel when he suffered an accident involving a mule cart and a runaway horse. We are grateful for the expressions of affection, messages, and interest from all those who are asking about the patient’s condition.”
During PSG’s final Ligue 1 match of the season against Clermont Foot, the players wore warm-up shirts with Rico’s image on them as a tribute. Additionally, Rico’s former team, Sevilla, wore shirts displaying the message “come on Sergio, we are with you” before their Europa League final victory over Roma. Mallorca also paid tribute to Rico ahead of their La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano.
Sergio Rico Profile
Sergio Rico, born in Seville, is a 29-year-old goalkeeper who made nearly 200 appearances for his hometown club, Sevilla. He played in and won the 2015 Europa League final and secured another winner’s medal the following year. Although he was an unused substitute in the final against Liverpool, he played a significant role in Sevilla’s success.
After falling out of favor at Sevilla, Rico spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Fulham, where he played 29 times as they were relegated from the Premier League. He was then loaned to Paris Saint-Germain for the following season but served as the second-choice goalkeeper behind Kaylor Navas. Rico did start in the Champions League quarter and semi-finals before Navas returned for the final defeat against Bayern Munich.
In 2020, Rico’s move to Paris Saint-Germain was made permanent. However, he has remained a backup goalkeeper at PSG, with Gianluigi Donnarumma joining the team in 2021. Rico spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Mallorca. He also made one substitute appearance for Spain in 2016.
The upcoming discharge from the hospital marks a significant milestone in Sergio Rico’s recovery journey. As he continues to heal, his family and fans eagerly await his return to full health.