Rico leaves hospital hand-in-hand with his wife

An emotional Sergio Rico hailed his wife's support and dedication as he left the hospital for the first time on Friday following his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening accident.

The 29-year-old suffered major blows to the head and neck as he was trampled by a horse, and spent 36 days in intensive care as medical staff tried to safe his life.

Rico, who was the subject of tributes from his PSG team mates during title celebrations in May, thanked those who had assisted in his remarkable recovery. But was keen to reserve special praise for Alba Silva, his wife, who stayed by his side during the ordeal.

'I feel quite well,' he told reporters outside the Seville-based hospital. 'I wanted to say a few words to thank my family and my wife. I wanted to thank the football world that has sent me messages of support.

'Everyone who has stopped for a minute to give me support, I thank them. Also, of course, the staff of the Hospital Virgen del Rocio, who are professionals of the highest order.

'I feel very emotional. Thanks above all to my wife, who has spent almost 20 hours a day with me.'

For much of the intervening time between the near fatal accident and today's heart warming development, Rico's prospects did not look especially positive.

In May, the former Fulham stopper travelled back to his native Seville to observe one of Spain’s biggest religious festivals in El Rocio, Andalusia.

But was knocked unconscious on the morning of May 28 when his horse delivered two devastating blows - one to the head and another to his neck - after Rico is believed to have fallen off as the horse became agitated.

According to the report filed by local police, which has been seen by The Athletic, doctors later noted that if the injury was half a