- A statement from Brighton said Mwepu has a hereditary heart condition
- The midfielder is only 24 years old,
- He joined Brighton from RB Salzburg
Brighton’s Zambian midfielder Enock Mwepu will retire from football at just 24 years of age due to a hereditary heart condition, the club announced on Monday.
Mwepu joined Brighton from Red Bull Salzburg at the start of last season from red Bull Salzburg, and had already established himself a s a key figure of the side, under former coach Graham Potter. But now, his football dream has been cut short, just as it was starting.
Brighton said in a statement that they had taken the decision as the condition could get worse and possibly lead to a fatal heart attack if he continued his playing career.
According to Brighton, Mwepu 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 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.
Sorry for Enock
Enock Mwepu celebrates a goal. PHOTO/Brighton
“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,” Roberto de Zebri, who has just recently joined the club said.
Club chairman Tony Bloom added, “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.”
Mwepu has since released his own statement, saying how much the decision has been tough, but his willingness to continue fighting on for good health.
Dreams come to an end
Enock Mwepu in action for Zambia
“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,” he said.
His statement added; “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.”
His retirement will not only be a huge blow for Brighton, but for Zambia’s Chipolopolo as well who had anchored their game around him, with a new generation of players over the last two years.
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