Forced To Retire Early Due To Heart Problems, Premier League Players Write Touching Statements

Brighton & Hove Albion player, Enock Mwepu. (Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion/Paul Hazlewood)

JAKARTA - Brighton player Enock Mwepu was forced to retire from football at the age of just 24 years. This was after it was discovered that Mwepu's heart condition was not fine, which could potentially be fatal.

The Zambian player fell ill during the recent international break. He then underwent further medical tests.

Test results identified his heart condition and forced the player to hang up his boots early.

The Premier League player was told that playing continuously would put him at risk of a heart attack.

Mwepu later announced his retirement. He wrote a touching statement that brought Brighton fans to tears.

"A boy from a small Zambian town called Chambishi has some news to share. He stood strong to pursue his dream of playing football at the highest level, and by God's grace he made his dream come true by reaching the Premier League," reads Mwepu, as quoted by The Sun.

"However some dreams come to an end so I am sad to announce the need to hang up my boots due to the medical advice I have received. But this is not the end of my involvement with football, I plan to remain involved in some other capacity."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me on my football journey, including my wife and family, my agent 12MAN, the Zambian FA, my previous clubs, team-mates and coaches, and in particular everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion," he continued.

Mwepu arrived at the Amex from Red Bull Salzburg with a club record in 2021. He impressed during his debut season on the South Coast, and featured in their opening six games of the season.

Amid the shocking news, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said: "I'm very sorry for Enock. Before I arrived I looked at all the squad, and he is a player I am very excited about and can't wait to work with. We will do everything we can. able to help him."