Brighton's Enock Mwepu plans to remain working in football after being forced to retire from playing following the diagnosis of a heart condition.
The 24-year-old has been advised by doctors to stop playing competitive football due to a hereditary condition which can worsen over time and puts Mwepu "at an extremely high risk of suffering a potentially fatal cardiac event".
Brighton confirmed the news in a statement and Mwepu followed up with his own statement.
"A boy from a small Zambian township called Chambishi has some news to share. He stood strong to follow his dream of playing football at the highest level, and by the grace of God he lived his dream by reaching the Premier League.
"Some dreams however come to an end, so it is with sadness that I announce the need to hang up my boots because of the medical advice I have received. This is however not the end of my involvement with football, I plan to stay involved in some capacity.
"I would like to like this opportunity to thank everyone that supported me in my football journey, including my wife and family, my agent 12MAN, the Zambian FA, all my previous clubs, team-mates and coaches, and (es)specially everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion."
