Brighton footballer, Enock Mwepu has been forced into early retirement following the diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition.
The official announcement was published on the website of the English Premier League outfit, Brighton on Monday morning.
The condition, which can worsen over time, would put Enock Mwepu at an extremely high risk of suffering a potentially fatal cardiac event, if he were to continue playing competitive football.
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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.
