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Brighton player forced to retire age 24 after being diagnosed with hereditary heart condition

Brighton & Hove Albion player Enock Mwepu has been forced to retire age 24 after being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition.

The club have announced the shock retirement of the midfielder, who made 27 appearances for the Seagulls after arriving from Red Bull Salzburg for around £18m in July 2021, was taken ill while on a flight to join up with his country during the international break.

After spending time in hospital in Mali, Mwepu returned to Brighton to undergo further tests, which picked up the heart condition.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Enock Mwepu has been forced to end his playing career following the diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition.

The condition, which can worsen over time, would put Enock at an extremely high risk of suffering a potentially fatal cardiac event, if he were to continue playing competitive football.

Club chairman Tony Bloom said, “We are all absolutely devastated for Enock. 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.”

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi added, “I am so sorry for Enock. Before I arrived I looked at all the squad, and he was a player I was so excited and looking forward to working with. We will do everything we can to help him.”

Head of Medicine and Performance, Adam Brett explained, “It is a terrible blow for Enock, but he has to put his health and his family first and this is the right choice, however difficult it is to quit the game he loves.”

Enock was taken ill while on a flight to join up with Zambia during the international break and after a period in hospital in Mali he returned to Brighton to undergo further cardiac tests and ongoing care.

These tests have concluded that his illness is due to a hereditary cardiac condition, which manifests later in life and was not previously evident on regular cardiac screening. Sadly this can be exacerbated by playing sport so Enock has been advised that the only option, for the sake of his own safety, is for him to stop playing football.

Adam continued, “Of course, given this is Enock’s career and a decision which can’t be taken lightly we have taken our time to be as thorough as possible, completed advanced cardiac investigations and collaborated with clinical experts to gain the best second opinions for Enock.

“We will be helping him make sure the condition is managed with the appropriate treatment for him to otherwise live a long and healthy life.’”

MWEPU STATEMENT:

Aboy from a small Zambian township called Chambishi has some news to share.

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 my boots because of the medical advice I have received. This is, however, not the end of my involvement with football. I plan to stay involved in some capacity.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that supported me in my football journey, including my wife and family, my agent 12MAN, the Zambian FA, all my previous clubs, team-mates and coaches and especially everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Messages of support has been sent to the Brighton player forced to retire age 24 after being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition…

@mcfc_lads: Devastating 😔💙

@olliebhafc03: NOOOO!! in all seriousness though, wishing all the best to you Enock

@BhaMelvs: Such a shame, it really looked like he was kicking on this season as our new number 8, heartbreaking stuff, I’m wishing Enock all the best for the future and I hope the club provides huge support for the Zambian Zidane through this tough time 💙🇿🇲 #bhafc

@miserygutscoop: These are the things I hate to see in football, players forced to retire far too early in their career. Best wishes to Enoch, hopefully you’ll have another path within the game #BHAFC

@thbjenkins: This is so sad. He is such a promising talent. The silver lining is that the condition was identified before a terrible Eriksen/Muamba type situation happened.

@BhafcR: devastating news about @EnockMwepu45 so much potential in the player at such a young age, I hope you find a fulfilling role in football and help other gain the insight into the game you displayed so well, hopefully with us! #BHAFC 💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍

@louisehersee: Devastated by the news this morning, glad the condition was discovered before anything awful happened but Enock is such a great part of the club. Please can we get him on the pitch before the Forest match so we can thank him @OfficialBHAFC? #bhafc

@bhafctowner: In absolute shock. On one hand I’m glad we didn’t see the worst outcome out on the pitch but on the other hand, I can’t believe we’ll never see him playing again 😞 will get a hell of an ovation if he comes out on the pitch next home game #bhafc

@dinesy1985: @EnockMwepu45 – Absolutely gutted for you. We will always respect you as our player and completely understand that health is more important than football. #bhafc

@Jakesross97: The scenes in the away end at Arsenal from that Mwepu goal will live long in the memory 💔 ⚽️ #BHAFC

@LukeBar64378228: Gutted for Mwepu! But also so pleased they have found this early enough to protect him! Wish him all the best and really hope he can find something to fill this void and lives a happy life! #BHAFC

@Brighton_Peer: GUTTED!! Absolutely gutted as a fan to be losing such a talented player for the Albion, but mostly I’m devastated for Enock & his family ☹️ At least the condition has been caught early & hopefully he can lead a normal healthy life. I’m sure the club will look after him #BHAFC 💙🤍

@C_Anderson1998: Brighton fans were incredibly respectful during the silence for Gian Piero on Saturday. If there’s anything we can do for them in return regarding the Mwepu news (such as helping share any fundraisers that appear) then I think we should. #THFC #BHAFC

@mrmilesp92: Devastated for @EnockMwepu45, you have to put family and life first. Thoughts are with you 💙🤍 #BHAFC

@Brightonfan: I am in total shock. Stay strong Enock, we are all with you!! #bhafc

@albiongirl68: Devastated for him as he was so talented but his health is more important. Wishing him well for the future. So blessed he played for us #onceaseagull #bhafc

@AJ_BHAFC: So so glad this was picked up whilst you have the chance to live your life Enock. Love, wishes and prayers to you & your entire family. Devastated that the computer is being powered down far, far too soon. Hopefully you can stay on at the club in some capacity. 💙 #BHAFC

@harryjiattwood: So sad! A brilliant player with bags of potential, wishing you every strength Enock⚪️🔵 #bhafc

@connorbhafc: I’m absolutely devastated by that news for Enock #BHAFC

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