Cheikhou Kouyate retires after playing career with hidden heart problem

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 7 Oct, 18:24 · Archive

Former Premier League midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has announced his retirement aged 36, revealing he played his entire career with an undisclosed heart problem.

Cheikhou Kouyate, a midfielder who played for West Ham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest among other Premier League clubs, has announced his retirement aged 36. He has revealed that he played his entire career whilst managing an undisclosed heart problem, which he kept secret from those around him.

The Daily Mail reports that Kouyate did not even tell his family about the heart condition. His decision to retire comes after years of playing with the health issue undetected by those closest to him.

How it is being reported

• Former Premier League star Cheikhou Kouyate reveals he played his entire career with a 'secret' heart problem as he announces his retirement aged 36: 'I never even told my family'Ex-Crystal Palace and West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has revealed he played his entire career with a secret heart problem.Daily Mail Sport · 7 Oct, 18:10
• Former Premier League star retires after keeping health issue a secret for yearsCheikhou Kouyate played for a number of Premier League clubs and did so with a heart problem which has caused him to retire from footballMirror Sport · 7 Oct, 17:04
• Ex-Premier League star reveals secret health battle as he announces retirementFormer West Ham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest star Cheikhou Kouyate has announced his retirement and revealed that he kept a health issue quiet for yearsMirror Sport · 7 Oct, 16:23

In this story: Cheikhou Kouyate · West Ham · Crystal Palace · Nottingham Forest

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