ALFREDO MORELOS has been arrested in Colombia after an alleged drink-driving accident left a motorcyclist with horror injuries.
It is understood the former Rangers star was caught by police on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
According to local media reports, Morelos collided with a motorbike when he pulled into the opposite lane to pass a van near José María Córdova airport, in Rionegro, Antioquia.
The motorcyclist suffered broken limbs and abdominal trauma and was taken to San Vicente Fundación hospital for treatment.
It’s suggested Morelos didn’t suffer any injuries along with the driver of the van.
Colombian outlet El Tiempo claim Morelos failed a breathalyzer test at the scene and was arrested for “negligent personal injuries,” claiming he had a “degree two of intoxication”.
Noticas report that the forward will have to pay a £4,100 fine after being found guilty of drink-driving.
Morelos’ driving license will also be suspended for a period of three to five years for the offence.
It is stated that he must undergo 40 days of community service and his vehicle will be immobilized for six days.
Reports also say his current club Atletico Nacional denied any claims the striker was under the influence of alcohol, before traffic authorities confirmed the test result.
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He has been dropped from their squad for their Copa Colombia quarter-final second leg against Jaguares de Cordoba.
Morelos was on his way to training when the accident occurred.
The motorcyclist has been identified as Sebastián Guillermo Dávila Valderrama.
His current condition is considered positive and he is being closely monitored by doctors at the hospital. It is said he required surgery.
Morelos, 28, returned to Colombia after eight years away from his homeland in July after he agreed a six month loan deal with Atletico Nacional.
He ended his nightmare stint in Brazil after he was part of the Santos team that endured their first relegation from the top flight in decades.
The former Rangers star spent six years at Ibrox after joining the club from HJK Helsinki in 2017.
Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers career
- Joined Rangers: Alfredo Morelos signed with Rangers in June 2017 from Finnish club HJK Helsinki. His transfer fee was reported to be around £1 million, and he was brought in to bolster the attacking options of the Scottish club under then-manager Pedro Caixinha.
- Prolific Scorer: From the outset, Morelos demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities, quickly becoming one of Rangers’ most reliable forwards. In his debut season, he netted 18 goals across all competitions.
- European Success: Morelos was particularly effective in European competitions, notably in the UEFA Europa League. His goals were often crucial in helping Rangers advance through the qualifying rounds and into the group stages, making him a key player on European nights.
- Record Breaker: He etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Rangers player to score in four consecutive European away matches. This achievement highlighted his ability to perform on big occasions and in challenging environments.
- All-Time Record European Goal Scorer: Morelos became Rangers’ all-time leading goal scorer in European competitions, surpassing previous records held by club legends. This milestone was a testament to his consistency and importance to the team on the continental stage.
- Disciplinary Issues: His time at Rangers was marked by several disciplinary issues, including multiple red cards. Morelos was sent off on several occasions, often for incidents involving retaliation or unsportsmanlike behaviour, which sometimes overshadowed his on-field contributions.
- Fan Favourite: Despite his fiery temperament, Morelos remained a favourite among the Rangers supporters for his passion and goal-scoring prowess. His ability to score important goals endeared him to the fanbase, but many questions were asked of his attitude and fitness throughout his time at the club.
- Old Firm Goals: Morelos scored his first Old Firm goal against Celtic in the 2019-2020 season. This was a significant moment for him personally, as he had previously struggled to find the net against their rivals, and it further cemented his place in Rangers folklore.
- International Call-ups: His performances at Rangers earned him call-ups to the Colombian national team. Morelos made his international debut in 2018 and has since been included in squads for major tournaments.
- Contract Extensions: Morelos signed multiple contract extensions with Rangers, indicating his value to the club. These extensions were often seen as a way to ward off interest from other clubs and to ensure that he remained a pivotal part of Rangers’ future plans. But he ran down his final deal and left on a free in 2023.
- Title Winner: He played a crucial role in Rangers’ 2020-2021 Scottish Premiership title win, ending Celtic’s nine-year dominance. Morelos’ goals and overall play were instrumental in securing the title, and the triumph was celebrated widely by fans and players alike, marking a significant achievement in his career.
The controversial hitman left Glasgow last year on a free after becoming the club’s all-time record goal-scorer in European competitions.
He only made 20 appearances for the fallen Brazilian giants following his switch before heading back to his homeland this summer.
Morelos’ arrival at Atletico Nacional was viewed as a huge coup for the top flight club after his successful goal-scoring form in Europe with the Light Blues.
Infact he was recently dubbed the player with the highest transfer value in the entire country, according to experts.
That’s despite former Chelsea and Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao and international goalkeeper David Ospina both playing in the league as well.
But much-like his fellow countryman Falcao, Morelos also had opportunities to test himself at other top clubs in Europe before running down his contract at Ibrox.
The striker was linked with a stunning transfer to French side Lille in 2020 and he had reportedly agreed to a £16million switch only for the move never to materialise.
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Plenty of other suitors were also on his trail while in Glasgow, including Porto, Crystal Palace and even AC Milan.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
