Fans welcome back Muamba

Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba has thanked fans for their overwhelming support just two months after suffering a cardiac arrest.

The 24-year-old made an emotional return to the Reebok Stadium, attending his first match for Tottenham’s visit, the side he almost lost his life against in an FA Cup tie at White Hart Lane.

The former England Under-21 international received a standing ovation from both sets of fans as he walked onto the pitch shortly before kick-off following a remarkable recovery.

Muamba spoke of his gratitude for the unconditional support he had received and said his condition continued to improve.

“I’m okay. I’m getting stronger every day. I’m happy to be back and I’m happy to see the fans outside,” Muamba said.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support I got. I’m just happy to be able to speak to people again and to be able to walk freely, so I’m just happy that I’m here.

“(The Reebok Stadium) is a special place. If you play for this football club you know what a special place it is. The support that I got is overwhelming and I’m grateful for it.”

Muamba also thanked the footballing world for their incredible support as well as his family’s care throughout his recovery.

“It helps me every single day. I’ve still got about six or seven boxes to go through of well wishes cards so I’m grateful for that.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The support has been overwhelming and I’m just grateful to be able to walk again and to do things normally again so my message is going to be thank you.”