Muamba retires from game

Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba has retired from playing professional football on health grounds, the English second-tier club said yesterday.

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.

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.

His plight and subsequent recovery saw the former England U-21 international, who arrived from Congo as an 11-year-old with limited English, attract well-wishers from around the world.

Muamba said: “As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist.

“But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football.

“Football has been my life since I was a teenage boy and it has given me so many opportunities.

“Above all else, I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level.”

Wanderers boss Owen Coyle, who spent hours by Muamba’s bedside during a season where Bolton were relegated from the Premier League, said: “We have spoken with Fab and he knows we will always support him in whatever he wants to do and that we will always be here for him.

“He is obviously massively disappointed that he won’t be able to carry on his career but everyone has seen what a fighter and strong person he is in mind and body.”