It’s heartbreaking: A very loyal Brighton player has announced his sudden retirement, sending a powerful statement and bidding the team and supporters a heartfelt farewell.
It’s heartbreaking: A very loyal Brighton player has announced his sudden retirement, sending a powerful statement and bidding the team and supporters a heartfelt farewell.
Enock Mwepu, a star player for Brighton, has announced his retirement from football after learning that he has a genetic heart condition.
On social media, the 24-year-old announced that he is hanging up his boots after a doctor advised him to give up on playing.
The former Red Bull Salzburg player made his Seagulls debut last July for a reported €25 million, and he has since made 27 appearances for the team.
Football player Enock Mwepu of Brighton has announced his retirement. Picture: Getty Images/Harriet Lander
The Zambian international fell ill while traveling to join his country’s squad during the September international break.
Mwepu was first brought to a hospital in Mali, and then he was sent back to Brighton for more cardiac testing and treatment.
The adaptable midfielder’s football career has come to an end due to a “hereditary cardiac condition,” according to a Brighton statement.
Enock Mwepu was a player for both Brighton and the national team of Zambia. Picture: Getty Images/Bryn Lennon
The English club continued, “Unfortunately, playing sports can make this worse, so Enock has been told that the only thing he can do for his own safety is to stop playing football.”
In an extensive statement shared on social media, Mwepu claimed that being able to play in the Premier League had fulfilled his dream.
The 23-cap international opened with, “A boy from a small Zambian township called Chambishi has news to share.
“By the grace of God, he was able to live out his dream of playing football in the Premier League by remaining strong and pursuing his dreams.
However, some dreams come to an end, so I must regretfully announce that I must hang up my boots in light of the medical advice I recently received.
“This is not the end of my football involvement; I plan to continue playing to some extent.” This is my chance to express my gratitude to everyone who helped me during my football journey: my wife and family, my agent 12MAN, the Zambian Football Association, all of my former teammates and coaches, and especially everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion.
