Brighton and Zambia midfielder Enoch Mwepu will have to retire from football aged just 24 due to an inherited heart condition, the Premier League club announced on Monday.

Enok MwepuPhoto: John Walton/PA Images/Profimedia

Enok Mwepu retires from football at only 24 years old

The condition, which can worsen with age, puts him at “extremely high risk of a life-threatening cardiac arrest if he continues to play competitive football,” the English club said.

The player fell ill on a flight to Zambia in September and after being hospitalized in Mali underwent further tests on his return to England.

“These examinations concluded that his illness was caused by an inherited heart disorder that manifests itself later in life and which until now could not be detected during routine heart examinations.

“Unfortunately, playing sports can make the situation worse, and therefore Enoch has been advised, as the only solution and for his own safety, to stop playing football,” the club clarified, as quoted by News.ro.

Scorer of three goals in 27 appearances for Brighton, Mwepu explained on Twitter that he had “fulfilled my dream playing in the Premier League”.

“However, some dreams come to an end and I am saddened to announce that I am forced to end my career due to medical advice,” Mwepu continued, but assured that he “will continue to be involved in one form or another”. in football