Picture: Miracle man Muamba discharged from hospital

Fabrice Muamba has paid tribute to medical staff after he was discharged from hospital this afternoon.

The Bolton midfielder has been receiving treatment at the London Chest Hospital since he collapsed on the pitch during a match at Tottenham last month.

Muamba's heart failed for two hours as paramedics fought to save his life  

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."

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."

Muamba's condition will continue to be closely monitored.

Coyle said on Sky Sports News this evening: "It's the news we were all hoping for, it shows you his continued improvement.

"I have to stress it's obviously subject to continued monitoring and what it will allow over the next few days is Shauna his fiancee, his father Marcel and Joshua his little son to have some family time with him as well.

"It is subject to continued monitoring, but it will give some time and space for Fabrice to continue that recovery."

He added: "Knowing Fabrice, he'll want to be back the way he was prior to the incident and that's what we all want for him."

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