Former Fulham star in intensive care and in ‘serious condition’ after horse riding accident

Former Fulham goalkeeper Sergio Rico is currently in intensive care in Spain after being involved in a horse riding accident. The 29-year-old was out riding in the El Rocio region of Huelva when another horse pulling a cart crossed in front of him.

Spanish radio reporter Victor Fernandez reported that Rico’s own horse became nervous and threw him off, kicking him in the head during its panic. The Spaniard has suffered a brain haemorrhage as a result of the trauma and he is said to be in a serious condition.

The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper has been confirmed to be in an ICU unit in a Seville hospital, where he is receiving treatment for his injury.

“Paris Saint-Germain learned of Sergio Rico’s accident on Sunday and are in constant contact with his family,” the French outfit wrote in their statement. His former and boyhood club Sevilla have also sent their support and have wished him a speedy recovery.

Sergio Rico’s family provide update

Rico’s family have since released their own statement, assuring supporters he is in “good hands” and he is “fighting to get better” while he receives “the best” medical care at Virgin del Rocio Hospital.

“We must act with precaution, especially in the next 48 hours,” it read. “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.”

Rico, whose career started at Sevilla, spent a year on loan with Fulham before joining PSG in 2020. His most recent career move saw him enjoy a stint with Mallorca back in his home country. During his time at Craven Cottage, Rico established himself as first choice goalkeeper under Claudio Ranieri, ahead of homegrown talent Marcus Bettinelli.

The Spaniard made 29 Premier League appearances for Fulham and three in the EFL Cup, keeping six clean sheets during the season which saw the club relegated to the Championship after a 19th-place finish.

After a loan period with PSG, the Ligue 1 giants opted to make his stay permanent and signed him on a four-year deal in 2020. However, following the arrival of superstar Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rico slipped drastically down the pecking order.

Before his loan move to Mallorca, he had been fighting for the No.1 spot with both Donnarumma and Keylor Navas. Rico has made a total of 24 appearances for PSG and has kept 14 clean sheets. He also made 15 appearances for Mallorca before returning to Parc des Princes.