Enock Mwepu, the 24-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder, has been forced to retire from professional football after being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition. The diagnosis came after Mwepu fell ill during the September international break while preparing to join the Zambian national team. He was hospitalized in Mali before returning to Brighton for further cardiac tests, which revealed the severity of his condition.
Mwepu’s heart condition poses an extremely high risk of cardiac arrest if he continues to play competitive football, leading to the difficult decision to end his playing career. Despite the heartbreaking news, Mwepu remains positive about his future involvement in football, though in a different capacity.
In a heartfelt statement, Mwepu expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career, including his family, his agent, the Zambian FA, his former clubs, teammates, coaches, and especially the Brighton & Hove Albion community. He emphasized that while his dream of playing football at the highest level has come to an end, he plans to remain involved in the sport in some way.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi shared his disappointment at the news, expressing his excitement about working with Mwepu before his diagnosis. The club’s Head of Medicine and Performance, Adam Brett, also commented on the situation, highlighting the thorough medical investigations conducted and the importance of prioritizing Mwepu’s health and well-being. The club has assured that they will support Mwepu in managing his condition to ensure he lives a long and healthy life.
Mwepu’s last appearance for Brighton was in their 5-2 victory over Leicester City in September, where he provided an assist for Moises Caicedo’s goal. His retirement marks the end of a promising career, but his journey in football is far from over, as he seeks new ways to contribute to the sport he loves.
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