Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu forced to retire due to heart condition

Enock Mwepu, a midfielder for Brighton and Hove Albion, has been forced to retire at the age of 24 due to an inherited heart condition. Mwepu has been diagnosed with a heart condition that, if left untreated, could worsen over time, putting him at risk of a potentially fatal cardiac event.

As per a statement from Brighton, the 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.” 

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Mwepu posted an emotional statement on Twitter about achieving his dream of playing at the highest level in the Premier League. He also mentions that his dream is coming to an end and that he is retiring due to medical advice. Despite his retirement, he will be remembered for his contributions to sports.

“We are all absolutely devastated for Enock,” said club chairman Tony Bloom. ” He and his family have been through a traumatic few weeks, and while we are grateful he has survived, he has seen such a promising career cut short at such a young age. As a club, we will give him all the love, assistance, and support we can to help him recover completely, and then as he decides on the next steps in his life,” he added. 

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“I am so sorry for Enock,” said head coach Roberto De Zerbi. “Before I arrived, I looked over the entire squad, and he was the player I was most excited to work with. We will do everything possible”, he added. 

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Mwepu joined Brighton from Red Bull Salzburg on a four-year contract worth £18 million in July 2021. Mwepu, known in his homeland as “the Computer” for his ability to read the game, started Brighton’s 5-2 win over Leicester last month, which proved to be his final match for the club. He appeared in 27 games for Brighton, scoring three goals, and won 23 caps for Zambia.