FABRICE Muamba will take a keen interest in this Saturday’s friendly between Chester FC and his former club Bolton Wanderers, writes Rob Jeffries.
The 25-year-old, who was forced to retire from football last year after suffering a heart attack during an FA Cup tie at Tottenham, is aware of how Chester have flourished since becoming a fan-owned club in 2010.
He also sees parallels between what happened to him and the tragic death of a young Blues fan from heart failure last year.
Looking forward to Saturday’s Deva Stadium friendly, Muamba said: “It should be great preparation during pre-season and really beneficial for both teams.
“I’ve followed what’s happened with Chester, as with other teams, and it’s great that the fans have helped keep it going.
“If you look at Germany and some of the top sides in Bundesliga, it shows it can be done.”
Muamba is aware of the charity work done by Chester fans in memory of Ciaran Geddes, who died from heart failure last year while playing football with his friends.
Ciaran was just seven years old.
Muamba said: “Obviously with what happened with myself and Ciaran, Saturday is a time to remember and reflect. Hopefully everyone can do that, and that it’s a good day that everybody can enjoy.
The former Arsenal and England Under 21 player spoke to The Chronicle at the NBA’s ‘NBA 3X’ basketball event in Manchester, where he was invited as a guest.
