Bolton manager Owen Coyle feels Fabrice Muamba has the drive to become successful in whatever career path he chooses following the premature end of his playing days. The 24-year-old former England Under-21 international, who suffered a cardiac arrest during Bolton's FA Cup match at Tottenham in March, called time on his football career on Wednesday following advice from cardiologist Dr Pedro Brugada.
Coyle accepts Muamba, who made a remarkable recovery to health after his heart stopped beating for 78 minutes, faces weeks and months of soul-searching in plotting his next move. But he is confident the future should hold no fears for the popular multi-linguist with accountancy qualifications.
"I think Fabrice, with his family, has to absorb everything that's happened," said Coyle. "That'll take a bit of time. And then, having done that, decide what his career path will be. Whatever that will be I've no doubt he'll be very successful because I know how driven he is having come through what he has already to this day. That's going to stand him in good stead." Should his path include a return to football in some capacity, Coyle insists Bolton will be there to support Muamba. The Scot added: "He's a very intelligent and clever lad, fluent in three or four different languages. I've said to him, if he needs any help here at the football club to come in, and if he wants to see about the coaching side of things we're only too willing and happy to help. He knows we'll always be here at Bolton Wanderers to help him in any way we can."
This weekend, Coyle's attentions will turn towards the Championship, as Bolton hope to achieve an instant return to the top flight following a relegation in May that still grates with their manager.
(SkySports.com)
Hadn't realised he retired. Absolute shame for the lad, really is. But the more important this is he's alive, and his health and family are far more significant than football. Good luck to the lad