Fabrice Muamba

Fabrice Ndala Muamba is a retired professional footballer who played for Arsenal, Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers as a central midfielder. Muamba began his career in 2002, joining Arsenal\'s youth academy. After three years, he turned professional in 2005. He made his debut for Arsenal in the League Cup, but played only one other professional match for the club. In August 2006, Muamba joined Championship club Birmingham City on a season-long loan. On 11 May 2007 Muamba made his move to Birmingham City permanent, signing a three-year contract for a fee reported by the club of £4 million. He made 37 appearances as Birmingham were relegated from the Premier League after one season back in the top tier. On 16 June 2008, Muamba joined Premier League Bolton Wanderers for a fee of £5 million, with add-ons worth a further £750,000, on a four-year contract. Muamba scored on the opening day of the 2011–12 league season, in Bolton\'s 4-0 away win against Queens Park Rangers. On 17 March 2012, Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during the first half of an FA Cup quarter-final match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. On 15 August 2012, Bolton announced that Muamba had retired from professional football, based on the recommendation of his medical team. On Thursday 8 November 2012, Muamba returned to White Hart Lane for the first time since his cardiac arrest and received a standing ovation from the crowd.