Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) goalkeeper Sergio Rico has emerged from a coma after three weeks of being in it due to a horse riding accident.
The incident took place during Rico's participation in an annual pilgrimage in the El Rocio region of Huelva, Spain, in May. According to his family, the 29-year-old footballer encountered "a serious mishap due to a mule cart and a horse that hit him."
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As a result of the head injuries he sustained, Sergio Rico was admitted to intensive care. Although he was briefly taken off sedation two weeks ago, he was put back into a coma shortly thereafter.
Providing an update on her husband's condition, Alba Silva, the goalkeeper's wife, spoke to the Spanish outlet Telecinco and revealed that he has regained consciousness and is gradually recovering.
In her words:
"We can finally see the end of the tunnel. We're going there step by step. I knew from the beginning that he would get through it because he's a champion."
The Virgen del Rocío Hospital in Sevilla, where Rico is receiving treatment, stated that updates will only be provided in significant developments as per the family's request.
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Rico, who was loaned to Fulham during the 2018/19 season from Sevilla, later joined PSG on loan for the 2019/20 campaign and eventually became a permanent member of the team in the following season.
In the 2021/22 season, he was loaned to Mallorca and made 14 appearances for PSG in the most recent season.
During PSG's final match of the season, Rico's teammates paid tribute to him by wearing shirts with his name on the back. Additionally, Kylian Mbappe celebrated a goal by displaying a shirt with Rico's name and the number 16.
Sevilla also honored the former player before their Europa League final against Roma.