Muamba´s family grateful for support

The family of Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba has thanked supporters around the world for the ‘overwhelming’ support they have received.

Muamba collapsed on the pitch during Bolton’s FA Cup tie at Tottenham last Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest, and has since been in intensive care.

The 23-year-old’s fiancee Shauna Magunda and his father Marcel issued a statement on Bolton’s official website thanking everyone for their messages and praised the quick work of the medical staff who saved his life.

“Thank you to everyone for the love, prayers and support over the past few days,” they said.

“In particular we owe an enormous gratitude to the Bolton Wanderers and Spurs medical teams for their quick reaction on Saturday, and the fantastic medical team here at the London Chest Hospital.

“We have been overwhelmed by all the kind messages we have received. The support we have had from the fans, not just from Bolton but football supporters around the world, has given us so much strength.

“Even though Fabrice has made great progress over the last couple of days, he is still in intensive care and still has a long period of recovery ahead. He has asked that you please keep him in your prayers.”

Bolton will play their first match since Muamba collapsed when they host Blackburn on Saturday in a vital relegation clash.