Brighton star Julio Ensico has revealed he 'almost died' after passing out on a flight while on international duty.
Ensico had been on his way to South America after being called up to the Paraguay squad ahead of their fixtures against Ecuador and Venezuela.
But on the flight over across the globe, the attacking midfielder fell ill and passed out.
The 20-year-old said he 'almost died' mid-flight and needed assistance from a good Samaritan nearby.
Julio Ensico suffered a medical emergency on a plane on international duty
After a can of Coca-Cola and some Japanese soup, Ensico was feeling better but not before experiencing a frightening situation.
Speaking to Paraguayan media, Enciso said: “My head hurts. I almost died, I fainted on the plane.
“I was powerless, I didn’t eat or sleep well. At one point I got up to go to the bathroom and I felt like I was falling.
“A guy grabbed me and took me to the front; He made me drink coke and a Japanese soup and that did me good.”
Paraguay take on Ecuador on Thursday night in a World Cup qualifier and it remains to be seen if Ensico will be rested for the match.
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The South American nation only have nine points from eight games in qualifying, leaving them at risk of missing out on the 2026 World Cup.
Ensico is a regular for his country, having made 19 caps since 2021 with one goal, landing his first cap while he still played in his home nation for Libertad.
The forward signed for Brighton in 2022 and immediately made an impact in his first season with a Puskas Award-nominated strike against Manchester City, which eventually came third.
Julio Ensico suffered a medical emergency on a plane
PA
Ensico had an injury-ravaged campaign last season but most recently appeared for the Seagulls on Sunday in an incredible comeback victory against Tottenham.
The youngster came on as a second-half substitute as Brighton came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at the Amex Stadium.
But club head coach Fabian Hurzeler has told Ensico to get his head down if he wants to be an integral part of his team.
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The Brighton boss said: “You have to give them [young players] also the freedom because, in the end, they can make the difference.
"On the other side, it is very important that everyone understands my principles, that everyone understands it will only be successful if you work together as a team.
“I think Julio is improving in these things. He is trying to develop in these things. We are working hard with him. We show it to him after every game, after every minute that he is playing, where he can improve."
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