Heart failure footballer Muamba released from hospital

Fellow players and spectators fell into a stunned silence when the talented midfielder collapsed midway through a game against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on 17 March after he suffered a cardiac arrest during the FA Cup quarter final.

The heart of Muamba, the son of a refugee fleeing political persecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo, only started working by itself 78 minutes later with staff attempting to resuscitate him for the entirety of the journey from the pitch to the east London hospital.

His sudden and dramatic collapse led to calls for greater screening of younger people, particularly athletes, with comparisons drawn with nations on the continent in which screening is routine.

‘Simply amazing’

Muamba was released this afternoon, thanking medical staff for his care.

“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.

“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.”

Owen Coyle, manager of the club, also expressed his gratitude. He said: “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.”

Staff at Barts Health NHS Trust, which was responsible for his care, added that they “wish him the very best in his ongoing recovery”.