Sergio Rico, the 32-year-old goalkeeper now playing for Al Gharafa, spent four seasons at Paris Saint-Germain from 2020 to 2024. His time in Paris was filled with memorable moments — but also marked by the terrible horse accident he suffered in May 2023, which left him in a coma for nearly a month. Speaking to Le Parisien, the Spanish goalkeeper reflected on his memories with PSG.
Rico: “It was really great, unique.”
“PSG?
Pure happiness! It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by such great players — and such great people, too. And of course, there was that Final 8 of the Champions League during the Covid period, which remains a truly unique moment (2020 final).
We were all together, confined in the hotel. It was really great, unique, to experience that while the world was in the middle of a pandemic… I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
Rico: “With a heart much bigger than him.”
Who touched you the most?
“Marco Verratti, without hesitation. He’s one of the best players in the world, and yet, on a human level, he’s such an amazing person, with a heart much bigger than him (smiles). He’s an incredible guy — I love him a lot, and he knows it. I can say he really left a mark on me.
Neymar was another wonderful surprise. He’s a fantastic person with a true family spirit. (…) He always made sure everyone felt at home, like part of a family.”
Rico: “PSG supporters will always have a special place in my heart.”
Did you speak with Luis Enrique?
“Yes, after the accident, I came back to Paris to start my active rehabilitation. It was my final contract year, and I spent the last month and a half of the season with the team. Honestly, he treated me very well — always polite, always kind — and I’m grateful for that.”
The PSG supporters?
“I just want to thank them again. Their support and affection during that difficult time helped me so much. PSG fans will always have a special place in my heart.”
Rico’s time at PSG ended in an unusual way, shaped by his long recovery and the intense competition for the goalkeeper spot. Yet, the club supported him all the way, and he eventually found a new opportunity to continue his career — something deeply positive.
The Spaniard prefers to focus on the bright side, even if there may be a few regrets about what might have been had the accident not happened. He chooses gratitude over bitterness — remembering the Final 8 as an unforgettable experience, sharing that isolated yet magical adventure with the team.
Rico also highlighted two teammates who left a lasting impression: Verratti and Neymar — both often criticized by the media, yet widely praised by those who shared the dressing room with them.
Finally, his words about Luis Enrique show once again the human side of the PSG coach — far from the sometimes cold image painted by certain outlets. Enrique took the time to care for Rico, even knowing he would no longer play a major role in the project — a gesture that speaks volumes.
