Sergio Rico set to join Al-Gharafa after return from life-threatening horse and cart accident

24 September 2024Last Update :
Sergio Rico set to join Al-Gharafa after return from life-threatening horse and cart accident

Former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico is set to join Qatari side Al-Gharafa, five months on from receiving medical clearance to return to football after a life-threatening accident.

The 31-year-old is expected to travel to Qatar on Wednesday to complete the move.

Al-Gharafa head coach Pedro Martins previously tried to sign Rico during his time in charge of Olympiacos in 2021-22.

Rico has been without a club since his PSG contract expired at the end of June.

The goalkeeper was hit by a mule cart and a runaway horse while on a pilgrimage in Spain on May 28, 2023 and suffered major head and neck injuries.

He had several operations to address the severe injuries and brain trauma he suffered. The Spaniard was in a coma for 19 days and spent 36 days in intensive care at the Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Seville.

Rico was discharged from intensive care in July 2023 and then discharged from hospital a month later.

He completed medical tests in Seville, at the French Football Federation (FFF) and at PSG earlier this year and in April was declared ready to train and play competitively again.

Rico last played competitive club football for Mallorca in May 2022, having spent the second half of the season at the Spanish club on loan from PSG.

Rico, a product of the Sevilla academy, made nearly 200 appearances for his hometown club. He spent a season on loan at Fulham in 2018-19, playing 29 times, before joining PSG in 2020.

Al-Gharafa are fifth in the Qatar Stars League after taking eight points from their opening five games. The club completed the signing of Joselu from Real Madrid this summer, while former Leeds United forward Rodrigo also joined on loan.

(David Ramos/Getty Images)