Brighton midfielder Mwepu forced to retire due to inherited heart condition
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to retire aged 24 after being diagnosed with an inherited heart condition.
The Zambian captain fell ill on a flight to join his national team during the recent international break and spent some time in hospital in Mali.
After undergoing further tests, it was discovered that Mwepu's illness was due to heart disease, which can worsen over time and be exacerbated by playing sports.
Brighton confirmed on Monday that Mwepu had ended his career as he would be at an extremely high risk of suffering cardiac arrest if he continued to play.
In a statement on the club's official website, Mwepu said he intends to remain involved in football in one way or another.
"A boy from a small township in Zambia called Chambishi has some news to share," said the former Salzburg midfielder.
"He held on to fulfill his dream of playing football at the highest level, and by the grace of God, he fulfilled his dream by reaching the Premier League.
"Some dreams come to an end however, it is with sadness that I announce the need to hang up my boots due to the medical advice I have received.
“This is not the end of my involvement in football however. I intend to remain involved to some degree.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me on my footballing journey, including my wife and family, my agent 12MAN, the Zambia Federation, all my former clubs, teammates and coaches and most importantly everyone in Brighton and Hove Albion."
Mwepu joined Brighton from Salzburg in an £18m (€21m) deal in July 2021 and has made 27 appearances for the Premier League side in all competitions.< /p>
He has played in six of Albion's first eight Premier League appearances this campaign, including the 2-1 win over Manchester United on the opening weekend, starting two of them.
Seagulls President Tony Bloom said: "We are all absolutely devastated for Enock.
"He and his family had a traumatic few weeks and while we are grateful that he got through this, he saw a promising career cut short at such a young age.
"As a club, we will give him all the love, help and support we can to make a full recovery and then he will decide on the next steps in his life."
Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who recently replaced Graham Potter at Amex Stadium, added: "I'm so sorry for Enock.
"Before arriving, I looked at the whole team, and he was a player I was so excited and looking forward to working with. We will do everything in our power to help him. "
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to retire aged 24 after being diagnosed with an inherited heart condition.
The Zambian captain fell ill on a flight to join his national team during the recent international break and spent some time in hospital in Mali.
After undergoing further tests, it was discovered that Mwepu's illness was due to heart disease, which can worsen over time and be exacerbated by playing sports.
Brighton confirmed on Monday that Mwepu had ended his career as he would be at an extremely high risk of suffering cardiac arrest if he continued to play.
In a statement on the club's official website, Mwepu said he intends to remain involved in football in one way or another.
"A boy from a small township in Zambia called Chambishi has some news to share," said the former Salzburg midfielder.
"He held on to fulfill his dream of playing football at the highest level, and by the grace of God, he fulfilled his dream by reaching the Premier League.
"Some dreams come to an end however, it is with sadness that I announce the need to hang up my boots due to the medical advice I have received.
“This is not the end of my involvement in football however. I intend to remain involved to some degree.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me on my footballing journey, including my wife and family, my agent 12MAN, the Zambia Federation, all my former clubs, teammates and coaches and most importantly everyone in Brighton and Hove Albion."
Mwepu joined Brighton from Salzburg in an £18m (€21m) deal in July 2021 and has made 27 appearances for the Premier League side in all competitions.< /p>
He has played in six of Albion's first eight Premier League appearances this campaign, including the 2-1 win over Manchester United on the opening weekend, starting two of them.
Seagulls President Tony Bloom said: "We are all absolutely devastated for Enock.
"He and his family had a traumatic few weeks and while we are grateful that he got through this, he saw a promising career cut short at such a young age.
"As a club, we will give him all the love, help and support we can to make a full recovery and then he will decide on the next steps in his life."
Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who recently replaced Graham Potter at Amex Stadium, added: "I'm so sorry for Enock.
"Before arriving, I looked at the whole team, and he was a player I was so excited and looking forward to working with. We will do everything in our power to help him. "
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