Fabrice Muamba is not quite there yet, but given where he was just under a month ago, he is nothing short of a miracle man. By now you've probably read about how on March 17th, Muamba was technically dead for 78 minutes, how it took 15 shocks from the defibrillator to get his heart beating again. Now it is beating again, and today he left the London Chest Hospital for the first time since his collapse.
While there has been no official statement from the club on the matter, it appears that not only has Muamba gotten away with his life, but he may be able to return to Premiership football again. He is having a pacemaker fitted, and probably won't be coming back anytime soon, but the fact that the option is even possibly there is something to smile about. Owen Coyle will undoubtedly have a massive grin on his face, and he said to the official site,
"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."
Fab himself also made a statement,
"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."
We could not be more pleased for Fabrice and his family, and we could not be more thankful to all of the medical staff who helped along, from the fan who was a doctor who ran onto the pitch to the staff of the London Chest Hospital. Today is a good day for the Bolton Wanderers, but we must also remember that not every club is so lucky. Once again, our thoughts and hearts go out to Piermario Morosini's family, the club, and the fans after his collapse on April 14th. Stay strong.