Former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico is set to sign for a new club, having arrived in Doha for a medical with Qatari outfit Al Gharafa.
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Rico joins Al GharafaSuffered head injury last yearSidelined for over two yearsWHAT HAPPENED?
The Spaniard has been on the sidelines for over a year after sustaining a serious head injury in a horse-riding accident in May 2023. Rico was discharged from hospital later that summer, but it has been a long road back to full fitness and finding a new club. Now, he's completing a medical at Qatari club Al Gharafa and looks set to join up for a new challenge.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The 31-year-old goalkeeper has a respectable reputation in the European game, having played for top-flight clubs across Europe including PSG, Sevilla, Mallorca and Fulham. However, his recent head injury seriously derailed his career. The move to Qatar represents a fresh start, although there's no denying the Qatari league will be a drop-off in quality from what Rico is used to.
DID YOU KNOW?
After his accident, Rico fell into a coma for three weeks and was reportedly described as being "half a centimetre" from death. Given the extent of the injury, which kept him in hospital for three months, it's remarkable that Rico is back in the game at all.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RICO?
Rico's new club are currently fourth in the Qatar Stars League, their squad bolstered by signings such as former Real Madrid forward Joselu and ex-Leeds striker Rodrigo. Al Gharafa fans will be hoping their latest addition can further improve this promising side.