Freddy Rincón, ex-captain of Colombia’s national soccer team, is in intensive care after a traffic accident. Photo: Eric Feferberg/AFP/dpa. (Source: dpa)
Cali (AP) – Former Colombian football captain Freddy Rincón underwent surgery after a traffic accident in the hospital and was taken to the intensive care unit.
His condition is “still critical,” said a statement from the Clínica Imbanaco in the Colombian metropolis of Cali. Rincón and several other people were injured in an accident in southern Cali, according to Colombian media, citing authorities.
Accordingly, the car in which Rincón was sitting collided with a bus. “Fuerza Freddy,” Mayor Jorge Iván Ospina wrote on Twitter. “All of Cali sends all their faith and energy for your speedy recovery.”
The 55-year-old Rincón belongs to the generation of outstanding players, along with Carlos Valderrama and Faustino Asprilla, to have qualified for three consecutive World Cups – in 1990, 1994 and 1998.
A goal by the midfielder at the 1990 World Cup in Italy in a group match against eventual world champion Germany became famous. In injury time, Rincón shot the ball between goalkeeper Bodo Illgner’s legs and into the goal – to make it 1-1. Thanks to the goal, Colombia progressed. In club football, Rincón played for América de Cali, Palmeiras São Paulo and SC Corinthians, SSC Napoli and Real Madrid, among others.