Bolton manager Owen Coyle said on Tuesday Fabrice Muamba spoke to him from his hospital bed.
Muamba spent a "comfortable night in hospital" as he continues to recover from suffering a cardiac arrest, the London Chest Hospital has revealed.
And Coyle said: "I've had a few words with him. A brief conversation. There's still a long way to go but that's really positive."
Zaire-born Muamba yesterday regained movement in his arms and legs, and also began speaking French (he grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo) and English, as well as recognising friends and family.
A statement issued by Barts and the London NHS Trust read: "Fabrice's family has asked us to thank everyone again for their thoughts and prayers and for the continued messages of support, from which they draw great strength.
"To ensure the smooth running of the hospital for all patients - as well as Fabrice's need to concentrate on his recovery – they would request that he receive no more visitors for the moment, outside of immediate family and members of Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
"They would also like to thank the media for continuing to respect their privacy."
Meanwhile, Bolton's Premier League game against Blackburn at the weekend will go ahead as planned. The Trotters were due to face Aston Villa this evening, but that match was postponed after Muamba's fall during the club's FA Cup quarter-final tie at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
Muamba's fiancee continues to take to Twitter to express her gratitude: