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 Gharafa
- Suffered head injury last year
- Sidelined for over two years
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WHAT 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.
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THE 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.
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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.
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WHAT 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.