Bolton, England – Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba officially announced his retirement on Wednesday after he collapsed on the field during an FA Cup quarterfinal on March 17.
The 24-year-old suffered a heart attack on the field in the first half of the match against Tottenham in March, and he was treated on the field for six minutes before being rushed to the hospital.
Muamba said that he was hopeful of making a comeback, but has decided to retire after receiving medical advice.
"Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from the hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again," Muamba said in a statement.
"As part of my on-going recovery, last week I traveled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist. But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football."
After starting his career in Arsenal's youth system, Muamba spent three seasons at Birmingham before joining Bolton in 2008. He went to make 130 appearances for Wanderers, scoring three goals.