Enock Mwepu has been forced to put a stay on his playing career after being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition.
Mwepu, who is known as “The Computer” in his homeland for his ability to read the game. He played for Brighton in a 5-2 win against Leicester City, which also proved to be his final match for the club. The Zambia international has made 27 appearances for Brighton, scoring three goals and winning the most caps with 23.
Enock Mwepu suffers a knock in training
Enock Mwepu, 24, who joined Brighton from Austrian Club RB Salzburg last July for around $20 million. He fell ill during a flight to join his national team during the International Break.
Brighton and Zambia midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to retire at 24 years old after a diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition. pic.twitter.com/JhQdiRFWx3
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 10, 2022
The Zambian was admitted to the hospital immediately for four days in Mali before returning to Brighton for further tests.
A statement from Brighton said the tests “concluded that his illness is due to a hereditary cardiac condition. However, it 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.”
Mwepu receives well-wishes from fans all over the world.
The club chairman, Tony Bloom, elucidated: “We are all absolutely devastated for Enock. He and his family have had a traumatic few weeks, and while we are 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 will make sure he can make a full recovery, and then as he decides on the next steps in his life. “
— Patson Daka (@PatsonDaka20) October 10, 2022
Brighton head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, said: “I am so sorry for Enock. Before I arrived, he was a player I was so looking forward to working with. We will do everything we can to help him.”
Mwepu looks back at his short yet beautiful football career
We all know about the wonder goal scored by Enock Mwepu against Liverpool last year in the Premier League.
A sumptuous finish from outside the box to equalise just before half time at Anfield. It was a sensational hit. It gets better and better every time you see it. This was Mwepu’s first Premier League goal.
Bad news. Enock Mwepu, forced to end his career at 24 as diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition. 🚨🔵 #BHAFC
Here, his official message ⤵️📑 pic.twitter.com/nKF5aXWMWd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 10, 2022
Looking back to his good-old days, Mwepu said, “A boy from a small Zambian township called Chambishi has news to share.”
Mwepu wrote in a message on Twitter. “He stood strong to follow his dreams of playing football at the highest level, and by the grace of God, he lived his dream by reaching the Premier League.”
“Some dreams, however, have an end. So it is with sadness that I announce the need to hang up my boots because of the medical advice I received. This is not the end of my involvement in football, I intend to stay involved to some degree. “
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me on my football trip, including my wife and family, my agent, 12MAN, the Zambian FA, all my past team-mates and coaches, especially everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion.”
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