Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to retire with immediate effect following a diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition. The 24-year-old Zambia international made the move to the Premier League in the summer of 2021 for €23 million from Red Bull Salzburg and to date has made 27 appearances for the Seagulls. However, following tests by Brighton’s medical staff, Mwepu will now hang up boots ahead of schedule.
“We are all absolutely devastated for Enock,” said Brighton chairman Tony Bloom in a club statement. “He and his family have had a traumatic few weeks and while we are just 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 possibly can to make a full recovery, and then as he decides on the next steps in his life.”
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The midfielder recently got ill while on international duty in Zambia during the recent international break and spent a period of time in hospital in Mali. Upon returning to Brighton, Mwepu underwent further cardiac tests, which revealed that the player had a hereditary cardiac condition which has now forced him to stop playing football for his own safety.
“It is a terrible blow for Enock, but he has to put his health and his family first and this is the right choice, however difficult it is to quit the game he loves,” said Adam Brett, Head of Medicine and Performance at Brighton. “Of course, given this is Enock’s career and a decision which can’t be taken lightly we have taken our time to be as thorough as possible, completed advanced cardiac investigations and collaborated with clinical experts to gain the best second opinions for Enock. We will be helping him make sure the condition is managed with the appropriate treatment for him to otherwise live a long and healthy life.”
— Enock Mwepu (@EnockMwepu45) October 10, 2022
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