Midfielder pays tribute to staff at the London Chest Hospital

Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba has been discharged from the London Chest Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest last month, the club and hospital have confirmed in a joint statement.

Muamba had been recovering in the East London hospital following his collapse during the first half of Bolton's FA Cup quarter-final tie at Tottenham on March 17th.

The 24-year-old's heart stopped for 78 minutes as medics battled to keep him alive but he has made rapid progress since the incident.

A spokesman for Barts Health NHS Trust said on Bolton's official website: "Barts Health can confirm that Fabrice Muamba has now been discharged following several weeks of treatment.

"All our staff wish him the very best in his ongoing recovery."

Muamba added: "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."
Recovery

Muamba's discharge is the next step in what has so far been a remarkable recovery for the former England Under-21 international.

The midfielder collapsed in the 41st minute of the match, which was subsequently abandoned, and medical staff desperately worked to save the player's life on the pitch before he was rushed to hospital.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle 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."

Source: www1.skysports.com