Cologne´s Ozat suffers from heart problem: report

Cologne's Turkey defender Umit Ozat, who collapsed during a Bundesliga match at the end of August, suffers from a life-threatening herat problem, claimed German tabloid Bild on Saturday.

The newspaper said the 31-year-old defender suffers from myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, which could have cost him his life.

Hanover insist it is too early to say exactly what the problem is, but their player is not expected to leave hospital until next week at the earliest.

“Umit Ozat's diagnosis and treatment have not yet been determined,” the club said in a statement.

“The player wishes for no other information be given on his health and asks that his private life be respected.”

The Cologne captain collapsed in the 25th minute of his side's 2-0 win over Karlsruhe on August 29 before being hospitalised.

The game was held up for five minutes and doctors initially said Ozat fainted as a result of low blood sugar levels.

His club insists they believe the defender will play for them again and await the results of further tests.

“It is important to us that Umit Ozat is cared for and treated with the largest care and by the best experts,” said Cologne manager Michael Meier.

“He is under no pressure of time.

“Umit has the right to take all the time he needs in order to take the appropriate diagnostic measures.

“We'd like to see him on the pitch one day, but at the moment, his health is our highest priority.”

Ozat was part of the Turkey squad which reached the 2002 World Cup semi-finals and has been with Cologne since the summer of 2007 after six seasons with Turkish side Fenerbahce.