Serious condition, serious condition… Disturbing news from Spain fell on Sunday. They concern Sergio Rico, victim of an accident. Information from the Spanish press was quickly confirmed by PSG, where the 29-year-old goalkeeper has been playing since 2019, with a break in Mallorca during the second part of the 2021-22 season. “Paris Saint-Germain learned of the accident of its player Sergio Rico this Sunday and remains in constant contact with his relatives. The entire Red and Blue community gives them their full support,” the club simply said, refraining from making any predictions. “We are waiting”, we were simply told. Late Sunday evening, representatives of the former Sevilla and Tottenham goalkeeper released a statement attributed to his family, to clarify matters.
Remember that Rico was in Strasbourg on Saturday, during the draw against Racing (1-1). As usual, he sat on the bench, he who plays the role of lining Gigio Donnarumma. Like several other of his teammates, he quickly left Alsace after this match, the title match for PSG. In this case, the native of Seville “went last night (Saturday) from Strasbourg to Malade and from there to El Rocio, with the authorization of the club with the victory of PSG in Ligue 1. After a little more than an hour and a half spent in the company of his family and friends, he was on his way to the pontifical mass next to the hermitage when he had an incident with a mule cart and a runaway horse”, can -we read in this press release published on the social networks of TeamYouFirst. He added: “Sergio is in good hands, struggling to recover while receiving the best care from the medical team at Virgen del Rocio Hospital. We must act with caution, especially in the next 48 hours.”
It’s hard to draw any conclusions, one way or the other, as to whether Rico might suffer permanent damage. “We are awaiting the results of his medical evolution, which we hope will be favorable, so that we can inform you of his recovery as soon as possible”, can we read in this message concluded with thanks for the “expressions of affection and the interest of all those concerned about Sergio’s state of health”.
Obviously, Paris Saint-Germain players are the first to be concerned, like Kylian Mbappé. “Above all, I wanted to emphasize my most sincere thoughts for Sergio Rico, said the 2018 world champion this Sunday, during the UNFP Trophies ceremony. I know there are much more important things than football… All the players, the whole club is with him. Everyone too. A thought also for the sports director (Luis Campos), who had tragic news this week too (the death of his mother, editor’s note) … I wanted to have a sense of priorities by talking about all this first. Winner of the trophy for the best hope, Nuno Mendes also had a word for the Spanish international (1 cap). “We are all with him, we are thinking of him and we hope he will come back soon with us,” said the Portuguese arrow.
Under contract until 2024, Sergio Rico has been negotiating for an extension in recent days according to various sources. Helmed by Keylor Navas then Gianluigi Donnarumma, he played 24 matches in the colors of the club from the French capital, including the victorious semi-final against Leipzig (3-0) in 2020, during the Final 8 in Lisbon.