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Fabrice Muamba Attends Bolton Wanderers V Tottenham Hotspur Premier League Clash

Posted: 02/05/2012 19:39 Updated: 02/05/2012 21:30

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Fabrice Muamba has made his first public appearance since collapsing with a near-fatal cardiac arrest in March.

The Bolton midfielder attended his club's game against Tottenham Hotspurs on Wednesday, just 46 days after nearly dying at White Heart Lane.

Before the game, the player walked out on to the pitch to huge applause. The emotion was clear, with Muamba wiping tears from his face as he waved to the crowd. His fiance watched from the stands.

Speaking to Sky Sports before the match, the 24-year-old said: "I'm overwhelmed with the support. I'm just happy that I'm here."

"The Reebok is a special place, and I'm very happy and very excited about today's game. I really wanted to come and support the boys."

PICTURES: Scroll down to see a gallery of Muamba's return

When asked about the national outpouring of good will following his collapse, Muamba said: "The support helped me every single day. I've still got seven boxes to go through of well-wishers cards."

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you the whole country."

Asked about his health, the footballer said: "I'm OK. I wish I was playing today but I'm sure they [the team] will give their best."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports it was "fantastic" to see Fabrice.

"The last time I saw him he was being wheeled down the tunnel. I never thought I'd see him again. It was desperate. It looked like a situation that could be retrieved. It's fantastic that he's back."

Following Muamba's appearance at the Reebok, Twitter paid tribute, including a tweet from his girlfirend, Shauna:


Michael Vaughan
Best moment in sport I have seen ... Fabrice Muamba walking out to the Reebok tonight...


Vincent Kompany
Emotional moment when Muamba got a standing ovation from the crowd. It's amazing how well he has recovered. So happy for him and his family.


Andy Murray
Amazing scenes at the reebok, fabrice muamba what a recovery!


Shauna Muamba
Reebok stadium how I've missed u. Come on Bolton we can do this ☺

Muamba, whose heart stopped beating independently for 78 minutes, was discharged from the London Chest Hospital 30 days after he was admitted, having collapsed in the 41st minute of the White Hart Lane fixture.

OPINION: What do you think about Muamba's return? Post your comments below

Earlier, Bolton manager Owen Coyle confirmed the former England Under-21 international's presence on the club's website.

"We are absolutely delighted that we will be able to welcome Fabrice and his family back to the Reebok," said the Scot.

"It's fitting the match is between these two clubs and he can attend. I know Fabrice is very keen to show his appreciation to both sets of fans for their support."

The midfielder has continued his rehabilitation at his Cheshire home, although it is still not known whether he will play professional football again.

Bolton lie third from bottom in the Premier League relegation zone on 34 points, although a draw tonight will lift them above QPR. A win for Tottenham meanwhile will take them to within a point of fourth-place north London rivals Arsenal in third.

Muamba's return to the Reebok

Loading Slideshow...

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers Fabrice Muamba before the Barclays Premier League match at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton.

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers Fabrice Muamba before the Barclays Premier League match at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton.

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Fabrice Muamba's Fiancee Shauna Muganda and Bolton Wanderers' chairman Phil Gartside in the stands

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers Fabrice Muamba looks emotional before the Barclays Premier League match at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton.

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Fabrice Muamba's Fiancee Shauna Muganda in the stands

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers Fabrice Muamba waves to the crowd before the Barclays Premier League match at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton.

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Fabrice Muamba's Fiancee Shauna Muganda in the stands

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers Fabrice Muamba waves to the crowd before during the Barclays Premier League match at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton.

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba on the pitch before the game

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Fabrice Muamba's Fiancee Shauna Muganda and Bolton Wanderers' chairman Phil Gartside in the stands

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba on the pitch before the game

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba on the pitch before the game

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Fabrice Muamba's Fiancee Shauna Muganda and Bolton Wanderers' chairman Phil Gartside in the stands

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba with the mascot on the pitch before the game

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba on the pitch before the game

  • Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Reebok Stadium

    Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba on the pitch before the game

  • Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab

    Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba reacts as he walks on the pitch before the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2, 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab

    Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba (top 2nd L) looks on with his girlfriend Shauna Magunda (top L) during the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at The Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab

    Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba takes to the pitch before the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at The Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab

    Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba reacts as he walks on the pitch before the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2, 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab

    Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba reacts as he walks on the pitch before the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2, 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab

    Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba takes to the pitch before the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at The Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab

    Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba takes to the pitch before the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at The Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab

    Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba takes to the pitch before the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at The Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS. RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fab

    Bolton Wanderers' English midfielder Fabrice Muamba takes to the pitch before the English Premier League football match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at The Reebok stadium, Bolton, north-west England on May 2 2012. Muamba, 24, is making his first public visit to the stadium after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team's FA Cup quarter-final match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 17. After collapsing on the pitch the former England Under 21 player was technically dead for 78 minutes and unconscious for three days and then spent several weeks recovering in hospital. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

    BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers looks on after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

  • Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

    BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers watches from the crowd during the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

  • Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

    BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers looks on after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

  • Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

    BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers shows his emotion after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

  • Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

    BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers is introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

  • Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

    BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers shows his emotion after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

  • Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

    BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers waves to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

  • Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

    BOLTON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Fabrice Muamba of Bolton Wanderers shows his emotion after being introduced to the crowd prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at the Reebok Stadium on May 2, 2012 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Tottenham and Bolton players react after Muamba collapses:

Loading Slideshow...

  • Tottenham Hotspur's William Gallas reacts on the pitch after Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba collapses

  • (left-right) Tottenham Hotspur's Carlo Cudicini, Luka Modric and Louis Saha look concerned after Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba collapses on the pitch and is resusitated by medical staff

  • Tottenham Hotspur's Luka Modric (2nd left), Bolton Wanderers' Ivan Klasnic, referee Howard Webb and manager Bolton Wanderers' manager Owen Coyle look on after Fabrice Muamba collapses on the pitch

  • Tottenham Hotspur's Benoit Assou-Ekotto (left), William Gallas, Carlo Cudicini and manager Bolton Wanderers' manager Owen Coyle look on after Fabrice Muamba collapses on the pitch

  • Tottenham Hotspur's Jermain Defoe, Ryan Nelsen and Luka Modric react after Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba is carried off on a stretcher

  • Tottenham Hotspur's Jermain Defoe reacts on the pitch after Bolton Wanderers Fabrice Muamba collapses on the pitch

  • Players walk back into the tunnel after the game is abandoned after Bolton Wanderers Fabrice Muamba collapses on the pitch

  • The medical team tend to Bolton Wanderers' Fabrice Muamba as Ryo Miyaichi, Darren Pratley and Dedryck Boyata look on

FOLLOW UK SPORT

Fabrice Muamba has made his first public appearance since collapsing with a near-fatal cardiac arrest in March. The Bolton midfielder attended his club's game against Tottenham Hotspurs on Wednesd...
Fabrice Muamba has made his first public appearance since collapsing with a near-fatal cardiac arrest in March. The Bolton midfielder attended his club's game against Tottenham Hotspurs on Wednesd...
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eastlondon
52 Fans
11:10 AM on 05/03/2012
Glad he has recovered so well . Is Mr Muamba non-dom
? If so and as he probably earns in excess of £1m a year I trust the NHS is sending him a fairly hefty bill?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Hugh Albert
Moderation in somethings
70 Fans
09:05 AM on 05/03/2012
Good to see him looking fit and well, I hope he can make a full recovery. If he can't play professionally again, he is young enough to find his way in another field. Good luck to him.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Saumya Shrivastava
Broke is only temporary; poor is a state of mind
40 Fans
 
05:13 AM on 05/03/2012
http://liveoncampus.com/wire/show/3374031
Here is an emotional and a touching return. Hope his return Now this is a great Welcome to our Dear Muamba! Fabrice Muamba is fighting back the tears as he walks out on the Reebok Stadium pitch to a magnificent ovation from the Bolton and Tottenham fans. Great to see him recover so well.
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Twisted Diva
In losing my God I redeemed my soul
435 Fans
02:31 AM on 05/03/2012
I have no idea about footie but I ve followed your story. I feel so happy for you and your family that you have now recovered. You are a very blessed person. Keep on getting stronger XX
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Christos Palmer
Χριστός Παλμερ
179 Fans
 
02:21 AM on 05/03/2012
Hope he's feeling much better now, he looks good :)
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
jacksdad41
Quant Je Puis
169 Fans
 
11:10 PM on 05/02/2012
Football, racism, politics, financial woes, impending drought and famine, wars a plenty and just for 1 minute I looked at the picture of that man and he stands for all that is good about footballers (and there isnt much!!!) and for just that 1 minute I thanked God I was alive and he is too. Take care Mr Muamba, and to all the fans that paid tribute to him too - I salute you all. Carry on getting better.
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Lord Elpus
If you're going through hell, keep going
49 Fans
11:39 PM on 05/02/2012
As you said, all the fans - well put.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Christos Palmer
Χριστός Παλμερ
179 Fans
 
02:22 AM on 05/03/2012
Amen to that one!
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vividrick
I came, I saw...I had a cup of tea!
495 Fans
09:03 PM on 05/02/2012
Saw it on the TV, very emotional.
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asantewa3
82 Fans
08:49 PM on 05/02/2012
It's amazing that he has recovered so quickly and so well. I'm sure he'll never forget the support from his teammates and the country.
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