Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico will be discharged 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 on a pilgrimage in Spain on May 28 before he was taken to the Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Seville where he has been since.
He has undergone a number of medical operations to address the severe injuries and brain trauma he suffered before being placed in the hands of doctors and specialists for dedicated care.
“Good afternoon everyone,” Rico said upon leaving hospital. “I feel quite well. It is necessary to maintain a few months of peace and quiet, to continue to be at home.
“I wanted to say a few words to thank my family and my wife for their respect. I wanted to thank the football world that has sent me messages of support. Everyone who has stopped for a minute to give me support. I thank them. Also, of course, to the Hospital Virgen del Rocio, who are professionals of the highest order.
“I feel very emotional (starts to cry). Thanks above all to my wife, who has spent almost 20 hours a day with me.”
“The first day I arrived here (at the hospital) the Biris (Sevilla fans) came to see me. I am grateful for that”
It had been hoped that Rico would be able to leave earlier but his discharge was delayed due to normal complications in such a complicated process.
A return to football is not a priority at this stage as he embarks on the next stage of his recovery although doctors have been positive throughout the process as long as his rehabilitation continues to progress as planned.
The news is a huge relief to his family who have been by his side throughout since May.
Rico had travelled to El Rocio, a pilgrimage which takes place in Almonte, Huelva, in the province of Andalucia and involves a procession that includes people walking, riders on horseback and carts following PSG’s 1-1 draw against Strasbourg on May 27, a result that secured the Ligue 1 title.
Rico’s family said following the accident: “Sergio Rico travelled last night from Strasbourg to Malaga and there to El Rocio, with the permission of the club after PSG won Ligue 1. After 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 when a mule cart and a runaway horse hit him.
“We are grateful for the expressions of affection, the messages and the interest of all those of you who are asking about the condition of the patient.”
PSG paid tribute to Rico during their final Ligue 1 match of the season against Clermont Foot. Players wore warm up shirts with his image on before the fixture and their playing shirts also had Rico’s name printed on the back.
The goalkeeper’s former side Sevilla wore shirts displaying the message “come on Sergio, we are with you” ahead of their Europa League final victory over Roma, and Mallorca also paid tribute to Rico ahead of their La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano.
GO DEEPER
Sergio Rico was trampled by a horse. This is the incredible story of how he cheated death
(Photo: Flaviu Buboi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
