Former Colombian international footballer Freddy Rincon is in "very critical" condition and in intensive care after being involved in a traffic accident on Monday in Cali, southwestern Colombia, a doctor said. Imbanaco Grupo Quironsalud clinic, quoted by Colombian media.
Aged 55, the former Real Madrid player, who also played for Naples, Palmeiras and Corinthians, "was operated on for 2 hours and 45 minutes (…) and his vital prognosis is in progress" added the doctor.
According to the hospital spokesperson, Rincon had arrived with "severe traumatic brain injury".
The crash occurred around 4 a.m. local time, when a Cali Transit System bus and "a van carrying four passengers collided", according to Edwing Candelo, the local mobility undersecretary.
The latter also said he spoke to a passenger in the van who allegedly named Freddy Rincon as the driver.
Desde el Real Madrid CF, toda nuestra fuerza y nuestro cariño para Freddy Rincón tras el accidente sufrido hoy.
Mucho ánimo y nuestro deseo de que supere pronto este difícil momento.
— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) April 11, 2022
Former captain of the Colombian selection, Freddy Rincon, nicknamed "El Coloso" (note: the colossus), was part of the golden generation which notably participated in three consecutive World Cups, in 1990, 1994 and 1998. In a tweet posted on his official account, Real Madrid, the victim's former team, supported his former player: “All our strength and affection for Freddy Rincon after his accident today.
We are wholeheartedly with him and hope that he recovers quickly from this difficult moment.
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