Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba has retired from playing professional football on health grounds, the English second-tier club said on their website Thursday.
The 24-year-old collapsed during an FA Cup tie away to Tottenham Hotspur in March and his heart then stopped beating for 78 minutes.
Democratic Republic of Congo-born Muamba’s recovery was hailed as miraculous but there were always questions as to whether he could play again.
“While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for,” said Muamba. “I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me.”
“I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career and the Bolton fans who have been incredible. I am blessed to have the support of my family and friends at this time.”
Muamba was taken to the London Chest Hospital, not far from Tottenham’s White Hart Lane ground, after receiving prolonged treatment on the pitch in a match that was abandoned by the referee.
