Brighton confirm shock retirement of Enock Mwepu due to heart condition

Mwepu has ended his playing career with immediate effect

Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed that midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to call time on his playing career due to the diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition. A statement from the Premier League club said that the Zambian international was living with a condition which was likely to worsen over time, leaving him at 'extremely high risk' of suffering a cardiac arrest if he were to continue playing football at a competitive level.

Enock Mwepu forced to retire at just 24 due to heart condition.

Mwepu, who joined Brighton from Red Bull Salzburg last year, took ill while flying to join up with his national side during the recent international break. He spent a period of time in Mali before returning to Brighton to undergo a series of cardiac tests. Those examinations have discovered a hereditary condition that had not shown on previous cardiac screening. The condition is known to be exacerbated by intense exercise, leaving the 24-year-old with no option but to call time on his playing career for his own safety.

Enock Mwepu releases a statement reflecting on his career.

Mwepu released a statement confirming his retirement, where he also reflected on his playing career and achieving his dream of playing in the Premier League. "A boy from a small Zambian township called Chambishi has some news to share," Mwepu wrote. "He stood strong to follow his dream of playing football at the highest level, and by the grace of God he achieved his dream by reaching the Premier League. "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. "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 and Hove Albion." https://twitter.com/EnockMwepu45/status/1579397214124011520