FILE - In this March 17, 2012 file photo, Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba is obscured by medical staff trying to resuscitate him after collapsing as his teammates, from left, Darren Pratley, Ryo Miyaichi and Dedryck Boyata react during the English FA Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane stadium in London. Bolton said Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 that Fabrice Muamba has retired after suffering a cardiac arrest during a game on March 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
August 15, 2012 - 9:28 AM
BOLTON, England - Bolton says that midfielder Fabrice Muamba has retired from football after suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup game against Tottenham in March.
Muamba tells Bolton's website Wednesday that "while the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for" and that "I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level."
Muamba travelled to Belgium last week to seek further medical advice from a cardiologist after consultations in Britain and Europe, and has been advised to retire from playing at the professional level.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle says "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."
News from © The Associated Press, 2012