Ex-Real Madrid star Freddy Rincon in critical condition after car crash

Freddy Rincon played for Real Madrid and Napoli during his successful playing career but the former midfielder is now fighting for his life in hospital after being involved in a car accident

former real Madrid midfield player Freddie Rincon is in critical condition after a car accident in his native Colombia.

The 55-year-old, who played in threes World Championships in the 1990s and also turned out for NaplesShe is currently in the hospital with serious head injuries after undergoing life-saving surgery. Rincon, who spent two years at Real from 1995 to 1997, was at the center of an incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning in Cali, southwest of the capital Bogota.

After he was transferred from the scene to the private Imbanaco Clinic, the hospital confirmed in a statement: “With his family’s approval, we confirm that Freddy Eusebio Rincon Valencia was admitted to the clinic today. After an initial assessment, the team of specialists responsible for the patient made the decision to perform the operation, which is still ongoing.”

The hospital also admitted it could not predict the former midfielder’s reaction, with chief medical officer Laureano Quintero adding after Rincon’s admission to intensive care: “He has sustained a serious head injury. The situation is critical.” Local outlet El Tiempo report that the car Rincon was driving was smashed into a bus and he was one of four people, including the bus driver, who were injured.

Footage of the collision also surfaced online, showing the two vehicles coming to a halt after his car was hit sideways by the bus and spun out of control before stopping on the pavement. Rincon, who retired in 2004 after playing for 10 different clubs in an 18-year career, continues to garner congratulations from around the world.

Los Blancos tweeted : “From Real Madrid CF, all our strength and affection for Freddy Rincon after the accident he was involved in today. We send our encouragement and hope that he gets over this difficult moment as soon as possible.”

Rincon had a very respectable playing career, notably winning that FIFA Club World Cup in 2000 with Brazilian giants Corinthians. After starting his career with Atlético Buenaventura in 1986, he won the Colombian championship in 1990 and 1992 with America de Cali.

Parma signed the Colombia international following his performances at the 1994 World Cup, but after he was loaned out to Napoli due to foreign player rules, Rincon was eventually sold to Real. He also earned 84 caps for Colombia, scoring 17 goals, the most memorable of which came against eventual champions West Germany at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

Just minutes before the final whistle, Colombia needed a goal to equalize and advance to the knockout stages with a draw. Played through by another legend Carlos ValderramaRincon calmly slipped through the keeper’s legs to make it 1-1 at the San Siro, sending his side through.