Back-from-the-dead footballer Fabrice Muamba 'devastated' after being forced to retire from game following cardiac arrest that caused his heart to stop for 78 minutes

Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba today spoke of his devastation at being forced to retire from football due to the heart attack he suffered in March.
The npower Championship club announced that the 24-year-old - who had hoped to make a comeback - had made the decision to retire from the professional game after taking medical advice.
'While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for,' said Muamba.

Devastated: Fabrice Muamba has spoken of his disappointment at retiring from football

Return: Muamba had returned to the pitch at the Reebok Stadium after recovering from a heart attack sustained in March

'I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me.'
Muamba collapsed while playing for Bolton against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in an FA Cup match on March 17.
He received lengthy attention on the pitch and it later emerged that his heart had stopped for 78 minutes.
Remarkably he made a stunning recovery and left hospital a month later.

Muamba's fiance Shauna Magunda, with tears in her eyes, claps from the stands

Emotional: When Muamba returned to the pitch in May, there wasn't a dry eye in the house

Until today it was unclear whether or not Muamba would return to playing the sport he loved

Fans from both sides brought messages to show their support for the Bolton Wanderers player in May

Muamba told Bolton's official website: 'Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again.
'As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled 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.
'Football has been my life since I was a teenage boy and it has given me so many opportunities.
'Above all else, I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level.

A message went up on the big screen to welcome the star back 46 days after his heart attack, but he has since retired from the game

Having left hospital just two weeks earlier, Muamba was remarkably able to walk to the centre circle

Muamba, after being cheered to the rafters, returns down the players' tunnel at the Reebok

After stepping out onto the pitch Muamba watched the match from the stand with his fiance

'I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career, and the Bolton fans who have been incredible.
'I am blessed to have the support of my family and friends at this time.'
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside said: 'To have Fabrice here and with us is truly amazing and we are all very thankful for that.
'We are all hugely disappointed that Fabrice will be unable to return to his playing career but we have to be guided by the medical recommendations and the best interests of Fabrice.

Nightmare: The football world was shocked by events at White Hart Lane in March

'The most important thing is that Fabrice and his family have the rest of their lives ahead of them.'
Bolton boss Owen Coyle said: 'We have spoken with Fab and he knows we will always support him in whatever he wants to do and that we will always be here for him.
'He is obviously massively disappointed that he won't be able to carry on his career, but everyone has seen what a fighter and strong person he is in mind and body.
'We know that he will go on to achieve great things and within all this disappointment, the most important thing is that he is here, alive, today.'
Muamba and his family fled war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, seeking asylum in the UK.
Despite arriving in London age 11, unable to speak English, he went on to achieve 10 GCSEs and three A levels and joined Arsenal's youth academy in 2002. He later joined Birmingham, before moving to Bolton in 2008.
Tributes have begun to pour in for the widely respected midfielder as celebrities, fellow footballers and fans took to Twitter to show their support to Muamba.

What's next: Muamba received an honorary degree from Bolton University

His fiance Shauna Magunda tweeted: 'Thanks for all the support. We're blessed to have our family and we're looking forward to whatever the future holds. Much love.'
Friend and former team-mate Ricardo Gardner tweeted: '@fmuamba We thank GOD u still here with us bro. keep positive as you always been. Greater things is ahead for you and the family. Bless Life.'
James Vaughan tweeted: 'Gutted my friend @fmuamba has retired from football. Such a great player and even better person. good luck bro
And added: 'One thing I no about @fmuamba is whatever he chooses to do next he will be the best at it! #Driven #Talented.'

Tribute: Bolton fan Amir Khan tweeted his support to Muamba

Old friends: Arsenal footballer Benik Afobe was amongst many to take to Twitter to wish Muamba luck

Even the president of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, offered his condolences to Muamba on his early retirement

Even the president of football governing body FIFA showed his support for the retiring Premier League star.
Sepp Blatter tweeted: '@fmuamba - Have just read about your retirement. It's very sad for you and I wish you all the very best.'
Bolton fan and boxer Amir Khan tweeted: 'Sad to hear Fabrice Muamba has had to retire. I wish him all the best for the future and know it holds great things for him!'
Arsenal footballer Benik Afobe tweeted: 'Fabrice Muamba retires from the beautiful game. Good luck to @FMuamba for his future endeavours. £SuchAGreatGuy!'