Enock Mwepu, a midfielder for Brighton, was forced to retire after learning that he had a hereditary heart condition.
The 24-year-old became ill last month while traveling to meet up with his Zambian teammates during the international break. After spending some time in a Mali hospital, he went to Brighton to undertake more cardiac testing.
According to a statement released by Brighton on Monday morning, Mwepu would be at a very high danger of dying from a “fatal cardiac arrest” if he kept playing competitive football.
Mwepu indicated he still intends to play football in some form despite ending his career in a statement announcing it.
The statement reads; “Enock Mwepu has been forced to end his playing career following the diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition.”
“A small boy from a Zambian township called Chambishi has some news to share,” the midfielder wrote.
“He stood strong to follow his dream of playing football at the highest level and by the grace of God he lived his dream by reaching the Premier League.”
“Some dreams however come to an end, so it is with sadness that I announce the need to hang up by boots because of the medical advice I have received. This is not the end of my involvement in football, I plan to stay involved in some capacity.”
“We are all absolutely devastated for Enock,” said Brighton chairman Tony Bloom. “He and his family have had a traumatic few weeks and while we are just thankful he has come through that period, he has seen such a promising career cut short at such a young age.
“As a club we will give him all the love, help and support we possibly can to make a full recovery, and then as he decides on the next steps in his life.”
Prior to the September international break, Mwepu played in all six of Brighton’s Premier League contests. He has appeared 27 times for the team since signing from Red Bull Salzburg in July 2021. The midfielder made 23 appearances for the Zambian national team, scoring six goals in that time.