BRIGHTON & Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to retire from football at the age of just 24 after the diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition.
The Zambian international was taken ill in Mali during the recent break and returned to Brighton to undergo more conclusive medical tests.
Mwepu, who played twice against Saints in the Premier League last season, was told continuing his football career could put him at risk of a potentially fatal cardiac event.
Posting a statement on his social media, Mwepu said: "Some dreams however come to an end, so it is with sadness I announce I need to hang up my boots because of medical advice I have received."
— Enock Mwepu (@EnockMwepu45) October 10, 2022
On the devastating news, Brighton 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.”
Brighton are due to visit St Mary’s on Boxing Day – the first Premier League match following the conclusion of the World Cup break.
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