Muamba 'devastated' after being told his career is over five months after heart attack

Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba has spoken of his devastation at being forced to retire from football due to the heart attack he suffered in March.

The npower Championship club have announced that the 24-year-old - who had hoped to make a comeback - had made the decision to retire from the professional game after taking medical advice.

'While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for,' said Muamba.

Miracle recovery: Bolton's Fabrice Muamba suffered a heart attack in March

Back at Bolton: Muamba (centre) at a club 'family fun day' last Sunday

Torchbearer: Muamba carried the Olympic Flame through Waltham Forest

'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.'

The Bolton midfielder 'died' for 78 minutes on the pitch at White Hart Lane after suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup match.

Muamba collapsed while playing for Bolton against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in an FA Cup match on March 17.

He received lengthy attention on the pitch and it later emerged that his heart had stopped for 78 minutes.

Fateful day: Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch at White Hart Lane in March

Helpless: Bolton and Spurs players, and Wanderers boss Owen Coyle (centre), watched the terrifying scenes unfold

Remarkably he made a stunning recovery and left hospital a month later.

Muamba told Bolton's official website: 'Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again.

'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.

Tributes: Hundreds of get-well messages were left for Muamba at Bolton's Reebok Stadium while he was in hospital

Rallying round: The football world united to send Muamba a get-well-soon message to the stricken Muamba

'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.

'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.'

Thank you: Muamba with cardiologist Dr Andrew Deaner (left) and consultant cardiologist Dr Sam Mohiddin, the doctors who saved his life following his heart attack

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside said: 'To have Fabrice here and with us is truly amazing and we are all very thankful for that.

'We are all hugely disappointed that Fabrice will be unable to return to his playing career but we have to be guided by the medical recommendations and the best interests of Fabrice.

'The most important thing is that Fabrice and his family have the rest of their lives ahead of them.'

Bolton boss Owen Coyle 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.

Not a dry eye in the house: Muamba made an emotional return to the Reebok Stadium in May

Not a dry eye in the house: Muamba made an emotional return to the Reebok Stadium in May

Miracle man: Muamba with his fiancee Shauna after his stunning recovery

'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.

'We know that he will go on to achieve great things and within all this disappointment, the most important thing is that he is here, alive, today.'

Muamba and his family fled war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, seeking asylum in the UK.
Despite arriving in London age 11, unable to speak English, he went on to achieve 10 GCSEs and three A levels and joined Arsenal's youth academy in 2002. He later joined Birmingham, before moving to Bolton in 2008.

    All smiles: Muamba received an Honorary Degree from Bolton University