A SMILING FABRICE MUAMBA has paid tribute to the men and women who saved his life as he prepares to return home from hospital.
The Bolton Wanderers midfielder was discharged from the London Chest Hospital this afternoon, less than a month after he suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the pitch.
Doctors said that Mumba, 24, was effectively dead for 78 minutes after he collapsed during Bolton’s FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur on 17 March. The match was abandoned as medics immediately attended to him on the pitch at White Hart Lane, but it was not until doctors at the London hospital had treated him for 30 minutes that his heart started beating again.
Although he remained in a critical condition, Muamba began breathing independently and responding to questions 48 hours later. His condition improved at a remarkable rate and earlier this month, he was able to get out of bed and walk around the hospital.
“I am naturally very pleased to be discharged from hospital and would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to every single member of staff at the London Chest Hospital who have played a part in my care,” Muamba said this afternoon.
Their dedication, professionalism and expertise is simply amazing and I will forever be in their debt. I also wish to say thank you to all the many well-wishers who have sent thousands of messages of support. Now I am out of hospital, I am looking forward to continuing my recovery and spending precious time with my family.
Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle added his thanks: ”It is absolutely fantastic news that Fabrice has been discharged from hospital and everyone at the club is delighted.
“We would also like to add our thanks to the staff at The London Chest Hospital for their care and treatment of Fabrice, which has been outstanding.
“It is important that Fabrice and his family are now given time and space to be together, and we would ask the media to continue to respect their privacy.”
