Fabrice Muamba heads home from hospital with a smile on his face

Recovery: Fabrice Muamba has been discharged from the London Chest Hospital

Fabrice Muamba has paid tribute to the doctors who saved his life after being discharged from hospital on Monday afternoon.

The Bolton midfielder has been recovering since suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during Bolton's match with Tottenham at White Hart Lane on March 17.

Muamba said: '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.

'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.'

Muamba's discharge is the next step in what has so far been a remarkable recovery for the former England Under 21 international, who effectively died for 78 minutes after his heart stopped beating.

Muamba collapsed in the 41st minute of the match, which was subsequently abandoned, and medical staff desperately worked to save the player's life on the pitch before he was rushed to hospital.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle said: 'It is absolutely fantastic news that Fabrice has been discharged from hospital and everyone at the club is delighted.

'We would also like to add our thanks to the staff at The London Chest Hospital for their care and treatment of Fabrice, which has been outstanding.

'It is important that Fabrice and his family are now given time and space to be together, and we would ask the media to continue to respect their privacy.'

A spokesman for Barts Health NHS Trust said: 'Barts Health can confirm that Fabrice Muamba has now been discharged following several weeks of treatment. All our staff wish him the very best in his ongoing recovery.'

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