Ex-Chelsea wonderkid has defibrillator fitted after heart attack warning

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Mbuyamba has spoken openly about the
Mbuyamba has spoken openly about the 'concerns' he has had about his health

Ex-Chelsea starlet Xavier Mbuyamba has had a defibrillator fitted - after doctors told the 22-year-old he could have a heart attack at any time.

The Blues signed the Dutch defender from Barcelona in 2020, and he played four times for their Under-23 side after a knee operation.

Xavier Mbuyamba has had a defibrillator fitted after doctors warned he could have had a heart attack qhiddtitkiqtdprw
Xavier Mbuyamba has had a defibrillator fitted after doctors warned he could have had a heart attackCredit: Getty
Mbuyamba left Chelsea in 2022 for Dutch side Volendam
Mbuyamba left Chelsea in 2022 for Dutch side VolendamCredit: PA

Mbuyamba joined Volendam in 2022, and shone as the newly-promoted minnows survived in Holland's Eredivisie.

He has however made just five appearances this season, and has not figured since January.

The centre-back has now undergone surgery after tests found he had an irregular heartbeat.

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Manchester United star Christian Eriksen was fitted with a defibrillator after collapsing on the pitch during a Denmark game in 2021.

Mbuyamba revealed: "After a long spell of silence I can now say why I have been away.

"During my annual check-up I found out that I had a disturbed heart rhythm. This came as a big surprise, as I hadn't noticed any change in my health.

"After this discovery I had a string of extensive medical tests. This is why I have played so seldom this season.

"The doctors, FC Volendam and I decided that I would have a S-ICD defibrillator implanted as primary prevention.

"The first stage of my rest and recovery is now over, and I have begun training on my own.

"I'll work on making my return for Volendam, and rest assured I'll be back in the team this season.

"How did I feel? Of course I had concerns at first about my health.

"But I always felt this would not pose a problem or hinder my football career. I am a winner, and a fighter!"

Mbuyamba first made his name for his hometown club MVV Maastricht's youth side, attracting attention from Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

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His initial move to Stamford Bridge broke down over Chelsea's then transfer ban, and he joined Barcelona before signing a three-year Blues deal in 2020.

Steve Goodman

Chelsea, Barcelona, Heart disease

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