Premier League star 'almost died' on plane to international duty as passenger comes to aid
Brighton's Julio Enciso has headed to South America ahead of his international commitments with Paraguay but fainted on his flight before a passenger came to his rescue
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorBrighton's Julio Enciso has confirmed he fainted on a plane whilst he jetted to international duty and claims he "almost died."
The Paraguay international was eventually tended to by a fellow passenger after feeling unwell during the flight. The midfielder said, as per Sport Witness : "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."
He explained that being made to eat and drink helped him get right. "A guy grabbed me and took me to the front; He made me drink coke and a Japanese soup and that did me good," said the Brighton star.
Enciso featured during Brighton's 3-2 win over Tottenham on Sunday, appearing from the bench as the Seagulls came from two-goals down to seal a stunning win. He has since flown to South America, where Paraguay are set to battle Ecuador in Quito.
The nation will then set to host Venezuela next Tuesday in a World Cup qualifier. The 20-year-old has already earned 19 caps for his country having debuted in 2021. Enciso is yet to start a Premier League game for Brighton under new boss Fabian Hurzeler with his five appearances coming from the bench.
Paraguay sit eighth in the South American qualification table as they look to qualify for the World Cup. They've only won two of their eight games, drawing three and losing the other three, but did secure a statement win over Brazil last time out in September.
When Enciso returns to Brighton duty the Seagulls will face Newcastle in the North East before returning to the Amex to host Wolves. After that they will face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
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