Breaking News: Fabrice Muamba retires

Football's miracle man Fabrice Muamba today announced his retirement from the game.

The Bolton Wanderers star, who suffered a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup tie in March, said he was devastated his footy career was over but had to put his health first. He thanked the medical team who saved him and said he was grateful for all the support he has received.

Muamba's heart stopped for 78 minutes after he collapsed on the pitch at White Hart Lane on March 17.

Millions on TV watched as medics from both teams and a heart specialist who rushed from the stands desperately battled to keep him alive.

He spent a month in hospital but stunned doctors with his amazing recovery and never gave up hope of a return to the pitch.

The midfielder even underwent a heart operation in Belgium last week as he set his sights on a comeback. But docs told him playing in the top flight could put too much strain on his heart and was not worth the risk.

A source said: “Fabrice is devastated as you can imagine.”

Despite the disappointment, the soccer ace is determined to stay positive.

Before the announcement, he cryptically tweeted: “KEEP SMILING PEOPLE.”

The star is now in line for a multi-million pound insurance payout.