Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Sergio Rico was reportedly tied up during an armed robbery at his family home near Seville while his wife and their two children were present.
Five masked intruders are reported to have entered the property at around 10pm on Monday 19 October, when the former Fulham keeper and his family were having dinner.
His wife, Alba Silva, later said the family were safe. Rico has confirmed the robbery to Spanish reporters but disputed claims that he was badly beaten.
Family threatened during raid
The Sun and talkSPORT report that Rico was restrained and Silva threatened as the intruders searched the house. Her mother was also present and was reportedly threatened with a gun.
Cash, jewellery and other valuables were said to have been taken. The value of the stolen items has not been made public.
Spanish broadcaster COPE, citing television programme Vamos a ver, reported that the couple had filed a complaint with the Guardia Civil. Police were investigating, with no arrests reported by the English outlets at the time of their coverage on Wednesday morning.
Alba Silva says the family is safe
Silva addressed the incident on Instagram, describing her shock and thanking people who had contacted the family.
In a statement quoted by The Sun and talkSPORT, she said:
“The only really important thing is that thanks to God our family is safe.”
Early reports carried allegations that Rico had suffered a severe beating. COPE subsequently reported that he had spoken to Vamos a ver, confirmed the break-in and denied that account. The Sun and talkSPORT also included his denial in their reporting.
That distinction matters: the armed robbery has been acknowledged by the family, while the claim that he was badly beaten has been disputed by Rico himself.
Rico’s Premier League spell with Fulham
Rico spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Fulham from Sevilla, making 29 Premier League appearances during the Cottagers’ campaign.
The Spain international subsequently played for Paris Saint-Germain and also had spells with Mallorca and Qatar’s Al-Gharafa.
He previously faced a lengthy recovery following a serious horse-related accident in Spain in May 2023. He was discharged from hospital that August, almost three months after the accident.
Sources
- The Sun: reporting on the robbery and family statement
- talkSPORT: Rico’s account, family statement and Fulham career
- GOAL: initial reporting on the incident
- COPE, citing Vamos a ver: robbery report and Rico’s denial of a severe beating
- MARCA: initial Spanish reporting
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