Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico will be released from hospital today, 10 weeks on from an accident that left him fighting for his life.
The 29-year-old was hit by a mule cart and a runaway horse while traveling in Spain on May 28 before being taken to the Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Seville where he has been since.
He underwent several medical operations to address the severe brain injuries and trauma he suffered before being placed in the hands of doctors and specialists for dedicated care.
Rico was expected to leave early but his discharge was delayed due to the normal complications of such a complicated process. The hospital today said he will be discharged today.
Returning to football is not a priority at this stage as he begins the next phase of his recovery although doctors are positive throughout the process as long as his rehabilitation continues to progress as planned.
The news is a great relief to his family who have been by his side throughout May.
Rico traveled to El Rocio, a pilgrimage that takes place in Almonte, Huelva, in the province of Andalucia and includes a procession that includes people on foot, horse-drawn carriages and carts after the 1-1 draw. in PSG against Strasbourg on May 27, a result. which took the Ligue 1 title.
Rico’s family said after the accident: “Sergio Rico traveled last night from Strasbourg to Malaga and was at El Rocio, with the permission of the club after PSG won Ligue 1. After more than an hour and a half with to his family and friends, he was on his way to the Pontifical Mass next to the chapel when he had an accident when he was hit by a mule cart and a runaway horse.
“We are grateful for the expressions of affection, messages and interest of all who inquired about the patient’s condition.”
PSG paid tribute to Rico during their last Ligue 1 match of the season against Clermont Foot. The players wore shirts bearing his image before the fixture and their playing shirts also had Rico’s name printed on the back.
The goalkeeper’s former Sevilla side wore shirts displaying the message “Come Sergio, we are with you” before their Europa League final win over Roma, and Mallorca also paid tribute to Rico before their La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano.
MORE
Sergio Rico was trampled by a horse. This is the incredible story of how he cheated death
(Photo: Flaviu Buboi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
