Fabrice Muamba was discharged Monday from the hospital where the Bolton midfielder had been treated since collapsing from a cardiac arrest during a game less than a month ago.
The former England under-21 international had been in the London Chest Hospital since collapsing on March 17. His heart stopped beating on its own for 78 minutes while doctors worked to resuscitate him and his prospects of survival were uncertain.
But Muamba recovered remarkably quickly - leaving his bed just nine days after collapsing - and has now left the hospital.
''I am naturally very pleased to be discharged from hospital and would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to every single member of staff at The London Chest Hospital who have played a part in my care,'' Muamba said. ''Their dedication, professionalism and expertise is simply amazing and I will forever be in their debt. I also wish to say thank you to all the many well-wishers who have sent thousands of messages of support.
''Now I am out of hospital, I am looking forward to continuing my recovery and spending precious time with my family.''
It is still unclear whether Muamba will be able to play professionally again.
''It is absolutely fantastic news that Fabrice has been discharged from hospital and everyone at the club is delighted,'' Bolton manager Owen Coyle said in a joint statement by the club and the hospital. ''It is important that Fabrice and his family are now given time and space to be together.''
Muamba collapsed just before halftime of Bolton's FA Cup quarterfinal at Tottenham.
Medics tried to revive Muamba for 48 minutes before he arrived at the east London hospital. It took another 30 minutes, after 15 shocks from a defibrillator, before the player's heart started beating again on its own.
