Back-from-dead player’s Strictly plea
The former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Muamba collapsed in front of 35,000 fans during an FA Cup tie against Spurs seven months ago when he suffered a heart attack.
The Zaire-born player, who married at the weekend, was technically dead for 78 minutes but was brought back after repeated shocks from a defibrillator which started his heart once more.
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Hide AdHe has since been forced to give up the game he loves but in an interview, the 24-year-old revealed he has not been short of offers now he is on the mend.
“I was approached to do Dancing On Ice, but I had to say no. That’s more dangerous than football,” he said.
“My insurance definitely doesn’t cover that. But I’d do Strictly Come Dancing. I love my salsa, so I’d be well up for that.”
To show he has returned from the brink, Muamba took part in a game of football in Kent with children who have disabilities and special needs as part of next month’s BBC Children In Need activities.
“It’s only the second time I’ve had a chance to kick a football since I had my cardiac arrest,” he said. “I’m just excited to play. I’ve been given a second opportunity in life.”
He said he saw playing with the children as a “second chance”.