Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico’s family say the next 48 hours could be crucial in his recovery after he was hit by a runaway horse in an accident in Spain.
The 29-year-old is said to have been kicked several times in the head by the animal at a religious festival in the Andalucia village of El Rocio. His loved ones also blamed a mule-drawn cart for the accident around 8.30am on Sunday as he headed to a mass after arriving from France.
Initial reports after the incident said Sergio, who joined PSG in a £5.2million transfer from Sevilla in 2020 after a 14-year spell with the Spanish side and a season-long loan to Fulham, had received several kicks to the head while he was on the ground.
He was airlifted to Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Seville after initial treatment near the scene to stabilise him and admitted to a trauma unit in a “serious” condition.
Spanish radio reporter Victor Fernandez explained as news of the incident began to emerge: “Around 8.30am Sergio suffered an accident when he was on a horse in the village of El Rocio.
“A horse-drawn cart crossed in front of him, the animal he was on became nervous and threw Sergio off.
"He has suffered a brain haemorrhage because it kicked him in the head.”
A statement released by his family through his agent late yesterday/on Sunday said: “We want to inform you that Sergio Rico travelled last night from Strasbourg to Malaga and from there to El Rocio with the permission of his club after PSG won Ligue 1.
“After a little over an hour and a half with his family and friends, he was heading to High Mass by the hermitage at El Rocio when he suffered an accident because of a cart with mules and a runaway horse that struck him.
“Sergio is in good hands, fighting to get better while he receives the best care from the medical team at Virgin del Rocio Hospital. We must act with precaution, especially in the next 48 hours.
“We are awaiting the results of his medical evolution which we hope will be favourable so we are able to tell you about his improvement as soon as possible.”
The statement added by thanking well-wishers for their support and goodwill messages.